siege of North Gaza
{{Short description|2024 engagement in the Gaza Strip}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Siege of North Gaza
| place = North Gaza Governorate, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| partof = the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, the insurgency in the North Gaza Strip, and the Gaza genocide during the Gaza war
| date = 5 October 2024{{Cite web |date=6 October 2024 |title=Dozens killed in Gaza as Israeli army launches new incursion in north |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/several-killed-israeli-air-strike-gaza-mosque-2024-10-05/ |website=Reuters |quote=Palestinian health officials said at least another 20 people had been killed since Saturday night in northern Gaza, after the army sent tanks into areas there for the first time in months and urged residents to leave.}}{{Cite web |date=6 October 2024 |title=Israel launches new ground invasion of northern Gaza, heavy night of bombing recalls beginning of war |url=https://www.madamasr.com/en/2024/10/06/news/politics/israel-launches-new-ground-invasion-of-northern-gaza-heavy-night-of-bombing-recalls-beginning-of-war/ |website=Mada Masr |quote=Northern Gaza, particularly the Jabalia camp, witnessed a night of terror as Israel launched a ground incursion into the area on Saturday evening... Missiles began to strike Jabalia around Saturday afternoon and continued without stopping through the night, accompanied by the advance of Israeli military vehicles in northwestern and northeastern parts of the strip...}} – 19 January 2025
| combatant1 = {{flag|Israel}}
| combatant2 = {{flag|Hamas|Qassam Brigades}}
{{collapsible list|title=Allies:|{{flag|Palestinian Islamic Jihad}}
{{armed forces|Fatah}}
{{flag|Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine}}
{{flag|Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine}}{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 10, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-10-2024 |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
{{flag|Popular Resistance Committees}}{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 11, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-11-2024 |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Palestinian Mujahideen Movement{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 11, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-11-2024 |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}}}
| units1 = {{Tree list}}
- {{armed forces|Israel}}
- {{army|Israel}}
- {{flagicon image|Flag of IDF Southern Command.svg}} Southern Command
- 17px 162nd Division{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 6, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-6-2024 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
- 17px 143rd Division{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 22, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-22-2024|access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
- {{flagicon image|PakmazLogo.svg}} Central Command
- 17px 99th Division
- 17px 900th Brigade{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, November 2, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-november-2-2024|website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
- {{air force|Israel}}
{{tree list/end}}
| units2 = {{Tree list}}
- {{flagicon|Palestine}} Palestinian Joint Operations Room
- {{flagicon|Hamas}} Al-Qassam Brigades
- {{armed forces|Palestinian Islamic Jihad}}
- {{armed forces|Fatah}}
- {{armed forces|Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine}}
- {{armed forces|Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine}}
- {{armed forces|Popular Resistance Committees}}
- {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Mujahideen Brigades
{{tree list/end}}
| commander1 = {{flagicon|Israel|tsahal}} Ehsan Daxa{{KIA}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-825362|title='Hero of Israel': 401st Brigade commander Col. Ehsan Daxa killed in northern Gaza|first1=Keshet|last1=Neev|first2=Sam|last2=Halpern|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=20 October 2024|access-date=21 October 2024}}
| commander2 = {{flagicon|Palestine}} Unknown
| casualties1 = Per IDF:
{{flagicon|Israel|tsahal}} 18+ soldiers killed or injured{{Cite web |date=1 November 2024 |title=Israel fights a seemingly endless war in Gaza's most devastated region |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-northern-gaza-displacement-aid-20628253b26a2bdcf3c844850f20da38 |website=AP}}{{Cite web |date=17 November 2024 |title=3 soldiers killed in northern Gaza Strip; hostage holders said incommunicado|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/reservist-killed-in-northern-gaza-strip-hostage-holders-said-incommunicado/ |website=Times of Israel}}
Per Hamas:
{{flagicon|Israel|tsahal}} 2 Merkava tanks destroyed{{Cite web |date=23 October 2024 |title=Hamas fighters destroy Israeli tank in northern Gaza, attack soldiers |url=https://aje.io/9xeffd?update=3267934 |website=Al Jazeera}}
| casualties2 = Per IDF:{{cite web | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-it-killed-five-hamas-terrorists-who-led-mefalsim-area-massacres-on-oct-7/ | title=IDF says it killed five Hamas terrorists who led Mefalsim area massacres on Oct 7 | website=The Times of Israel }}
{{flagicon|Palestine}} 1,300+ fighters killed
{{flagicon|Palestine}} 1,000+ fighters captured
| notes = {{Center|2,400+ civilians killed or trapped under rubble{{Cite web |date=3 December 2024 |title=3,700 people killed or missing since Israel's siege of northern Gaza: Media Office |url=https://aje.io/bdr7it?update=3360919 |website=Al Jazeera}}
10,000 civilians injured{{Cite web |date=3 December 2024 |title=3,700 people killed or missing since Israel's siege of northern Gaza: Media Office |url=https://aje.io/bdr7it?update=3360919 |website=Al Jazeera}}
1,750 civilians abducted or detained by Israeli forces{{Cite web |date=3 December 2024 |title=3,700 people killed or missing since Israel's siege of northern Gaza: Media Office |url=https://aje.io/bdr7it?update=3360919 |website=Al Jazeera}}
20,000+ forcibly displaced{{Cite web|url=https://aje.io/9xeffd?update=3267651|title=Live blog|website=Al Jazeera English}}}}
| image = {{CSS image crop |Image = October 2023 Gaza−Israel conflict.svg |bSize = 2000 |cWidth = 310 |cHeight = 220 |oLeft = 870 |oTop = 320 }}
| caption = {{leftlegend|#F08080|Gaza Strip under Palestinian control}}
{{leftlegend|#5788FF|Gaza Strip under Israeli control}}
{{leftlegend|#9bf7f0|Former occupied territories regained from Israel}}
| strength2 = {{flagicon|Hamas|Qassam Brigades}} 5,000 fighters{{Cite web |date=2024-10-08 |title=New Israeli operation in Gaza's Jabalia sparks heavy fighting |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c30l9r3medzo |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
| strength1 = {{flagicon|Israel|military}} Unknown
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Gaza war}}
| result = Ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal
}}
The siege of North Gaza{{Cite web |date=24 October 2024 |title=Israel's siege of north Gaza kills hundreds as some flee |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/24/nx-s1-5162234/israel-steps-up-its-campaign-in-northern-gaza-to-thwart-efforts-by-hamas-to-rebuild |website=NPR}}{{Cite web |date=24 October 2024 |title=Israeli strikes kill 42 in Gaza as tanks tighten siege of north |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-steps-up-pressure-northern-gaza-16-killed-across-territory-2024-10-23/ |website=Reuters}} was an engagement of the Gaza war in the North Gaza Governorate, Gaza Strip, between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian forces. It began on 5 October 2024 when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reinvaded Jabalia and its refugee camp for the first time in months since earlier fighting.{{Cite web |title=Palestine's UN envoy says 'genocide within genocide' going on in north Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/13/palestines-un-envoy-says-genocide-within-genocide-going-on-in-north-gaza |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-08 |title=New Israeli operation in Gaza's Jabalia sparks heavy fighting |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c30l9r3medzo |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
The siege was reportedly part of Israel's "generals' plan" to force Palestinians out of northern Gaza by designating it a combat zone and issuing evacuation orders to civilians under threat of death.{{Cite news |date=18 October 2024 |title=Israel expands brutal offensive in Gaza's Jabalia under 'genocidal' General's Plan |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/israel-expands-jabalia-offensive-amid-genocidal-generals-plan |work=The New Arab}} The IDF imposed a complete siege on northern Gaza, cutting it off from Gaza City by destroying most of the roads leading south and preventing the entry of aid.{{Cite news |date=10 October 2024 |title=Israeli military enforces total blockade on northern Gaza, says civil defense official |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20241010-israeli-military-enforces-total-blockade-on-northern-gaza-says-civil-defense-official/ |work=Middle East Monitor}} Evacuations were hindered, however, by Israeli bombardments and shootings of fleeing civilians, leaving many trapped. Human rights groups raised concerns of war crimes, and Israeli actions were characterized as ethnic cleansing and genocide.{{cite web |title=Trapped in northern Gaza: 17 days of siege with several critically wounded |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z72KeqDdqVU |website=YouTube | date=21 October 2024 |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=22 October 2024}} Israel attacked hospitals and medical infrastructure, as international bodies warned of disastrous conditions in Jabalia.
Israel's siege extended to Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, with officials stating no food had been allowed to enter either town or Jabalia.{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=Israeli strikes kill 42 in Gaza as tanks tighten siege of north |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-steps-up-pressure-northern-gaza-16-killed-across-territory-2024-10-23/ |access-date=28 October 2024 |website=Reuters}} A senior COGAT official stated that aid delivery was being confined to Gaza City because there was "no population" remaining in Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun.{{cite web |last1=Knickmeyer |first1=Ellen |title=Israel is falling far short of a U.S. ultimatum to increase flow of aid to Gaza, data shows |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-is-falling-far-short-of-a-u-s-ultimatum-to-increase-flow-of-aid-to-gaza-data-shows |access-date=3 November 2024 |website=PBS |date=November 2024 |publisher=Associated Press}}
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on 19 January 2025, with the IDF withdrawing from northern Gaza to a buffer zone along the Gaza Strip–Israel border on that same day.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, January 19, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-january-19-2025 |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
Background
{{Further|Battle of Beit Hanoun|Battle of Jabalia}}
Fighting between Palestinian militants and the IDF had taken place in Beit Hanoun and Jabalia since 27 October 2023 and 8 November 2023, respectively.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-27 |title=Israel and Hamas at war: what we know on day 22 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/28/israel-and-hamas-at-war-what-we-know-on-day-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101193936/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/28/israel-and-hamas-at-war-what-we-know-on-day-22 |archive-date=2023-11-01 |access-date=2023-11-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} The IDF also launched raids into Beit Lahia such as the Kamal Adwan Hospital sieges in December 2024 and May 2024.{{cite web |last1=Tétrault-Farber |first1=Gabrielle |title=WHO calls for Gaza hospital to be protected after reported raid |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/who-calls-gaza-hospital-be-protected-after-reported-raid-2023-12-12/ |access-date=12 December 2023 |website=Reuters}}{{cite web |title=Israeli forces raid Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital after days of strikes |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/12/israeli-forces-raid-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-after-days-of-strikes |access-date=12 December 2023 |website=Al Jazeera}}{{cite news |last1=Abdulrahim |first1=Raja |date=24 May 2024 |title=Israeli Forces Cut Off Access to Kamal Adwan Hospital in Northern Gaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/24/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-kamal-adwan-hospital.html |access-date=25 May 2024 |work=The New York Times}}
The IDF encountered "significant resistance" during the fighting in Jabalia and ultimately failed to dismantle Hamas' presence in the city.{{Cite web |last= |title=Iran Update, May 31, 2024 |url=https://www.iswresearch.org/2024/05/iran-update-may-31-2024.html |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}
On 31 May 2024, the IDF withdrew from North Gaza, including both Beit Hanoun and Jabalia.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2024-05-31 |title=Israeli Forces Withdraw from Northern Gaza - Extensive Damage and Casualties |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/israeli-forces-withdraw-from-northern-gaza-extensive-damage-and-casualties/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=Palestine Chronicle |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-31 |title=Gaza war: Israeli military says it has pulled out of Jabalia |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977q9pe574o |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
In the four months since the Israeli withdrawal, Hamas reportedly reconstituted itself in Jabalia and managed to recruit thousands of new fighters in the area. Hamas also planted explosives in almost all buildings in Jabalia, sometimes even causing the death of its own militants.https://mobile.mako.co.il/news-channel12?subChannelId=fd3831c6085e2910VgnVCM200000650a10acRCRD&vcmid=2fdb0c32a91c3910VgnVCM200000650a10acRCRD, timesamp: 08:17
Siege
File:Merkava of Beit Hanoun.jpg that was destroyed by Hamas in Beit Hanoun]]
= Jabalia =
On the evening of 5 October, the IDF began its stated operation to dismantle Hamas control in Jabalia, with the Israeli Air Force launching strikes around the area while armored brigades encircled the Jabalia refugee camp.
The IDF advanced into Jabalia and were met by combined attacks from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). PIJ launched an attack on an Israeli command and control room belonging to forces attempting to penetrate the Jabalia refugee camp.{{Cite web |title=Intense bombardment as Israel launches major ground offensive on Jabalia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/6/israel-launches-ground-offensive-on-jabalia-again-killing-17 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}
On 10 October, Hamas organized an ambush which destroyed an IDF mechanized infantry company of 12 vehicles east of the Jabalia camp.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 10, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-10-2024 |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Hamas says killed Israeli soldiers in ambush in N. Gaza |url=https://english.news.cn/20241010/9e0084bfc1454ed1a2dafe25b8eccbb5/c.html |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Xinhua}}{{Cite web |title=Consisting of 12 vehicles, Al-Qassam Brigades ambushes an Israeli infantry company in Jabalia |url=https://yemenshabab.net/en/sections/NEWS/Gaza/4d611796-871d-11ef-977c-222c43b9907f |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=يمن شباب نت |language=ar}} The IDF said that an Israeli airstrike on a Hamas command and control centre killed at least 12 Hamas and PIJ commanders.
On 13 October, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF had reached "the heart of Jabalia" and were dismantling Hamas strongholds there. The IDF also attacked a site from which PIJ had launched rockets at Ashkelon the previous day. On the other hand, Palestinian militant forces continued defensive operations in Jabalia with explosives and rockets.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 13, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-13-2024 |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
On 17 October, the Israeli air forced bombed the Abu Hussein school. The IDF stated the shelter was a joint Hamas-PIJ "command and control centre" and that it killed 12 militants.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 17, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-17-2024 |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} The Gaza Health Ministry stated the school bombing killed at least 28 people, including multiple children, with one health official stating, "Civilians and children are being killed, burned under fire".{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=At least 28 dead in Gaza strike, which Israel says targeted gunmen |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-fire-kills-11-gaza-city-its-forces-tighten-siege-north-2024-10-17/ |website=Reuters |access-date=21 October 2024}} On 18 October, Israel sent an additional army unit into Jabalia.{{cite web |last1=al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid |url=https://www.aol.com/news/israel-sends-more-troops-north-102402243.html |website=AOL |publisher=Reuters |access-date=20 October 2024}}
On 20 October, Ehsan Daxa, an Israeli army colonel who was the commander of the IDF's 401st Brigade in Jabalia, was killed in combat. He is considered to have been the highest-ranking officer to have died in ground combat since the start of the Gaza war.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-20 |title=IDF announces 401st Armored Brigade commander KIA |url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/10/20/idf-announces-401st-armored-brigade-commander-kia/ |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=www.israelhayom.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-20 |title=401st Brigade commander Col. Ehsan Daxa killed in northern Gaza |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-825362 |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}
On 22 October, Hamas said that its fighters detonated an explosive device targeting 12 Israeli soldiers in the Jabalia refugee camp, killing and wounding some of them.{{Cite web |last1=Uras |first1=Umut |last2=Siddiqui |first2=Usaid |title='Atrocious situation': Over 100,000 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/22/live-scenes-of-terror-in-northern-gaza-as-israel-bombs-beirut?update=3264815 |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}
On 17 November, Israeli media reported that that IDF soldiers preparing an ambush in southern Jabalia were themselves ambushed by Hamas fighters.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-17 |title=Israeli Forces fall into own ambush in Jabalia: Special Unit commander, five soldiers killed |url=https://www.saba.ye/en/news3397905.htm |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=www.saba.ye |language=en}}
On 20 December, a Hamas fighter carried out a suicide bombing against an IDF position in the Jabalia camp.{{Cite web |title=خبير عسكري: جباليا معركة مصيرية وأول عملية استشهادية للمقاومة منذ 2002 |url=https://www.aljazeera.net/politics/2024/12/20/%D8%AE%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%B3%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%AC%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B5%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84 |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Al Jazeera |language=ar}}
On 30 December, Palestinian militants carried out a "relatively large attack" in multiple waves against IDF positions around the Jabalia camp.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, December 30, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-december-30-2024 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
= Beit Lahia =
On 11 October, clashes between the IDF and Hamas were reported to be taking place in Beit Lahia.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 11, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-11-2024 |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} Palestinian health officials stated on 27 October that Israeli strikes had killed at least 87 people.{{cite web |last1=Clayton |first1=Fredie |title=Israeli forces leave a trail of destruction after dayslong siege at one of Gaza's last hospitals |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-leaves-trail-destruction-dayslong-siege-one-gazas-last-hospital-rcna177474 |access-date=28 October 2024 |website=NBC News|date=28 October 2024 }} On 28 October, an Israeli attack on the Beit Lahia residential square reportedly killed 45 people, with more than 30 trapped under the rubble.{{cite web |last1=al-Kahlout |first1=Moath |title=Dozens remain trapped under rubble after Israel's attack on Beit Lahiya |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/28/live-medics-among-seven-killed-in-israeli-attack-on-south-lebanon?update=3279007 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=3 November 2024}} After residents of Jabalia fled to Beit Lahia, the IDF then reportedly turned their attention to the town.{{cite web |last1=Khoudary |first1=Hind |title='Everything in Beit Lahiya is being wiped out' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/30/live-israeli-strikes-kill-143-across-gaza-77-killed-in-attacks-on-lebanon?update=3284801 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=1 November 2024}} Sam Rose, a UN official, stated, "People who fled to Beit Lahiya have themselves been bombed".{{cite web |title='Absolutely desperate conditions' in northern Gaza: UNRWA official |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/30/live-israeli-strikes-kill-143-across-gaza-77-killed-in-attacks-on-lebanon?update=3284474 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=1 November 2024}} Beit Lahia declared a state of emergency due to Israel's siege and attacks, stating, "We declare that the city is a disaster area due to the Israeli war of extermination and siege, and it has no food, water, hospitals, doctors, services, or communications".{{cite web |title=Northern Gaza's Beit Lahiya declared disaster area amid Israeli siege |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/30/northern-gazas-beit-lahiya-declared-disaster-area-amid-israeli-siege |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=1 November 2024}}
Five people were reportedly killed by Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahia on 1 November.{{cite web |title=Five Palestinians killed in Israeli air strikes on Beit Lahiya |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/five-palestinians-killed-israeli-air-strikes-beit-lahiya |website=Middle East Eye |access-date=2 November 2024}} Rescue teams were also attacked, with three members hit by a drone, while the civil defence stated an Israeli tank destroyed their only fire truck.{{cite web |title=North Gaza hospitals cut off, rescue services halted, as Israel tightens siege |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/north-gaza-hospitals-cut-rescue-ops-stop-amid-israel-siege |website=The New Arab |access-date=4 November 2024}} At least twenty people were reportedly killed during an attack on 4 November, with video showing residents pulling bodies out of the rubble.{{cite web |title=Bodies being pulled from debris after Israeli air strike in north Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/11/4/live-israeli-forces-attack-health-centres-in-gaza-and-lebanon?update=3297535 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=5 November 2024}}
On 23 December, Hamas said that some of its fighters stormed an IDF position at a building in Beit Lahia and managed to free several Palestinians who had been detained inside.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2024-12-23 |title=Hamas Releases Palestinian Hostages in Beit Lahia - What Happened |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/hamas-releases-palestinian-hostages-in-beit-lahia-what-happened/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Palestine Chronicle |language=en-US}}
= Beit Hanoun =
In Beit Hanoun, the IDF conducted bombings on the night of 11–12 November and targeted fleeing civilians with drones and sniper fire the next day.{{Cite web |title=Dozens killed, others displaced as Israel continues attacks on Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/11/12/dozens-killed-others-displaced-as-israel-continues-attacks-on-gaza |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} The IDF besieged some 130 families in a shelter in the city and forced them to leave at gunpoint.{{Cite web |title=Hundreds forced to flee Beit Hanoun amid Israeli onslaught in northern Gaza |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hundreds-forced-to-flee-beit-hanoun-amid-israeli-onslaught-in-northern-gaza/3391401 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Anadolu Ajansı}}
Despite claiming to have “dismantled Hamas” in Beit Hanoun, Israeli forces who entered the abandoned city on 23 December were immediately ambushed by militants. The IDF acknowledged and incident where a combat vehicle in Beit Hanoun was targeted by anti-tank weapons, eliminating three soldiers.{{cite web|url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-announces-soldier-killed-3-others-seriously-hurt-amid-fighting-in-northern-gaza/ | title= IDF soldier killed, 3 others seriously hurt amid fighting in northern Gaza | date= 28 December 2024|work= TOI}}
On 28 December, Israeli forces previously in Rafah were redeployed to begin operating in Beit Hanoun.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, December 28, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-december-28-2024|date=2024-12-28 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=IDF's Nahal Brigade concludes in Rafah, begins Beit Hanoun operations |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-835159 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}} In another ambush whose details the IDF did not publicise, it acknowledged that three soldiers in Beit Hanoun were wounded and a West Bank settler in the IDF was eliminated.{{cite web|url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/three-soldiers-killed-fighting-in-northern-gaza-airstrike-hits-hamas-security-chief/ | title= Three soldiers killed fighting in northern Gaza, airstrike hits Hamas security chief | date= 28 December 2024|work= TOI}}
On 4 January 2025, the IDF destroyed a major Hamas complex in Beit Hanoun.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, January 4, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-january-4-2025 |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}
An IDF company commander and his deputy were killed in Beit Hanoun after Hamas militants fired an anti-tank missile at their vehicle on 6 January, and a further three Israeli soldiers were killed when Hamas detonated an IED under their vehicle and three more were seriously wounded on the 8th.{{Cite news |first=Emanuel |last=Fabian |title=3 soldiers killed in northern Gaza fighting, raising ground offensive toll to 398 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/3-soldiers-killed-in-northern-gaza-fighting-raising-ground-offensive-toll-to-401/ |access-date=2025-01-15 |work=www.timesofisrael.com |language=en-US}}
On 11 January, an Israeli patrol fell into an ambush in Beit Hanoun. A Merkava was hit by an IED explosion, killing all four of its occupants. The remaining soldiers were then attacked by Hamas militants who opened fire on them before withdrawing, wounding a further six.{{cite web|url= https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-announces-4-soldiers-killed-6-wounded-during-fighting-in-northern-gaza/ | title= 4 IDFs soldier killed others seriously hurt amid fighting in northern Gaza | date= 11 January 2025|work= TOI}}
Evacuation and attacks on civilians
=Generals' plan=
{{Main|Israeli generals' plan}}
On 6 October 2024, Israel designated all of the northern Gaza Strip as a combat zone and ordered the entire civilian population to evacuate.{{cite news |last=Rasgon |first=Adam |date=6 October 2024 |title=A new Israeli map labels nearly all of northern Gaza 'new evacuation zones |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/10/06/world/israel-iran-hezbollah-lebanon |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241006192404/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/10/06/world/israel-iran-hezbollah-lebanon |archive-date=6 October 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times}}{{cite news |last=Keller-Lynn |first=Carrie |date=6 October 2024 |title=Israel Launches New Offensive in Northern Gaza, Orders Mass Evacuation |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-launches-new-offensive-in-northern-gaza-orders-mass-evacuation-786f2fff |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241006181906/https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-launches-new-offensive-in-northern-gaza-orders-mass-evacuation-786f2fff |archive-date=6 October 2024 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}} Both Israeli military analysts and the Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights alleged that this was the first stage of the "generals' plan", a policy proposed by former Israeli general Giora Eiland to force Palestinians out of Gaza on pain of death.{{cite news |last=Monks |first=Kieron |date=6 October 2024 |title='Evacuate or die': Israel moves towards 'general's plan' for north Gaza |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/world/evacuate-die-israel-generals-plan-north-gaza-3310922 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241006134926/https://inews.co.uk/news/world/evacuate-die-israel-generals-plan-north-gaza-3310922 |archive-date=6 October 2024 |newspaper=iNews}} The Israeli human rights organizations Gisha, B'Tselem, Physicians for Human Rights and Yesh Din stated there were "alarming signs" that Israel was implementing the plan.{{cite web |last1=Shotter |first1=James |title=Israel 'starting to implement' north Gaza starvation plan, say rights groups |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c0c9e82c-3c83-4bda-a7f9-157ce32d8c12?shareType=nongift |website=Financial Times |date=15 October 2024 |access-date=19 October 2024|url-access=subscription}} Three Israeli reserve soldiers in Gaza stated it was their understanding the general's plan was being practically implemented.{{cite web |last1=Harel |first1=Amos |title=On Defense and Offense, Israel Given Another Reminder of Its Reliance on the United States |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-10-16/ty-article/.premium/on-defense-and-offense-israel-given-another-reminder-of-its-reliance-on-the-united-states/00000192-91aa-dbf3-a1be-ddbb246c0000 |website=Haaretz |access-date=19 October 2024|url-access=subscription}} The plan has been described by Hamas as genocidal. Others have described the plan as the ethnic cleansing of northern Gaza.{{cite web |last1=Mohammad |first1=Ibrahim |last2=Mushtaha |first2=Mahmoud |title='Dead bodies everywhere' in Jabalia camp as Israel besieges northern Gaza |url=https://www.972mag.com/jabalia-camp-northern-gaza-siege/ |website=+972 Magazine |date=10 October 2024 |access-date=21 October 2024}} The United Nations warned that Israel was not allowing food to enter northern Gaza or Jabalia.{{cite web |last1=Rugman |first1=Jonathan |title=Israel's 'relentless' pounding of northern Gaza |url=https://www.channel4.com/news/israels-relentless-pounding-of-northern-gaza |website=Channel 4 |date=20 October 2024 |access-date=22 October 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Estrin |first1=Daniel |last2=Batrawy |first2=Aya |title=Israel threatens to starve out northern Gaza, U.N. aid agencies say |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/15/nx-s1-5154065/israel-north-gaza-food-aid-block |website=NPR |access-date=22 October 2024}}
On 7 October, the IDF issued evacuation orders for residents of Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahia, instructing them to travel southwards to the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone.{{Cite web |title=Iran Update, October 7, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-october-7-2024 |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} Following these evacuation orders was made more difficult by Israel's ongoing bombardment, as well as drones pursuing and shooting at individuals attempting to flee.{{cite web |last1=Mahmoud |first1=Hani |title=North Gaza suffers 'deliberate starvation' during Israeli siege |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/16/live-ten-killed-as-israel-hits-homes-healthcare-centre-in-lebanons-qana?update=3250651 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera English}} Residents reported being trapped in Jabalia, with all roads blocked except the main highway leading out. However, they also stated quadcopters were firing at anyone attempting to leave, with one resident stating, "It’s like hell. We can’t get out."{{cite web |last1=Magdy |first1=Samy |title=Israeli offensive kills dozens and threatens hospitals in hard-hit northern Gaza |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israeli-offensive-kills-dozens-and-threatens-hospitals-in-hard-hit-northern-gaza |website=PBS |date=9 October 2024 |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=14 October 2024}}
According to Israeli media, tens of thousands of Palestinians have passed through the IDF security crossing at the Netzarim Corridor to get to the southern Gaza Strip. On 7 October 2024, however, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated many people in northern Gaza were "trapped" in their homes and that "few families have crossed Wadi Gaza heading South".{{cite web |title=Gazans in the north trapped with nowhere to go, as fighting intensifies |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155441 |website=UN News |date=7 October 2024 |access-date=14 October 2024}} Doctors Without Borders stated at least five of their staff members were trapped in Jabalia, stating, "Nobody is allowed to get in or out; anyone who tries is getting shot".{{cite web |last1=Makary |first1=Adam |last2=Al-Mughrabi |first2=Nidal |title=Thousands trapped in Jabalia camp as Israel escalates deadly attacks in northern Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/thousands-said-trapped-jabalia-camp-israel-escalates-attacks-northern-gaza-2024-10-11/ |website=Reuters |access-date=21 October 2024}} UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini stated, "People attempting to flee are getting killed, their bodies left on the street".{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=Hospitals under fire as Israeli forces deepen operations in northern Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-storm-shelters-detain-men-north-gaza-raid-deepens-2024-10-21/ |website=Reuters |access-date=22 October 2024}}
Anas al-Sharif, a journalist on the ground, stated that possibly thousands of families were "trapped between tanks, their gunfire, and heavy artillery shelling".{{cite web |title=Amid blackout, thousands in north Gaza are trapped between tanks and gunfire |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/amid-blackout-thousands-north-gaza-are-trapped-between-tanks-and-gunfire?nid=402086&topic=Israel%2527s%2520war%2520on%2520Gaza&fid=535041 |website=Middle East Eye |access-date=22 October 2024}} One woman stated she was forced from her home "at gunpoint" as tanks and heavily armed soldiers encircled her family, and that young men were separated for interrogation.{{cite web |last1=Schrek |first1=Adam |last2=Magdy |first2=Samy |title=A drone targets the Israeli prime minister's house while strikes in Gaza kill more than 50 |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-10-18-2024-c49911f11a40b7d81b21bc8568ecfe11?taid=67136ddcfd3acf0001415c07&utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&utm_medium=AP&utm_source=Twitter |website=Associated Press |date=19 October 2024 |access-date=21 October 2024}} Another woman stated that in Jabalia, a quadcopter told residents: "Don't think of north Gaza ever again."{{cite web |last1=Abdulfattah |first1=Ghada |last2=Luck |first2=Taylor |title=Under deadly Israeli siege, north Gaza residents face terrifying ultimatum |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2024/1025/israeli-siege-north-gaza-palestinians |website=The Christian Science Monitor |access-date=31 October 2024}} Israeli footage showed men separated at checkpoints in northern Gaza and possibly detained.{{cite web |title=Forcibly displaced Palestinians filmed at north Gaza checkpoint |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/10/21/video-forcibly-displaced-palestinians-filmed-at-north-gaza-checkpoint |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=22 October 2024}} The Israeli military released footage of Palestinians being rounded up near the besieged Indonesia Hospital, where they had been sheltering.{{cite web |title=Palestinians rounded up by IDF in Gaza |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRMpS_CKjoE |website=YouTube | date=21 October 2024 |publisher=DW News |access-date=22 October 2024}}{{cite web |title=Israel releases footage of its military rounding up Palestinians in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/10/20/israel-releases-footage-of-its-military-rounding-up-palestinians-in-gaza |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=22 October 2024}} Residents stated Israeli forced stormed shelters for displaced families and detained men, with footage showing men sitting next to a tank while others were led away by a soldier.{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=Israeli strikes in northern Gaza cause scores of casualties, doctors say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strikes-kill-32-gaza-siege-around-hospitals-tightens-health-officials-2024-10-19/ |website=Reuters |access-date=22 October 2024}} The UN Human Rights Office stated it was concerned the men could be subject to arbitrary detainment and torture.{{cite web |last1=Da Silva |first1=Chantal |title=Children killed, men detained, families fleeing: Scenes of devastation in Israel's assault on northern Gaza |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/harrowing-images-emerge-northern-gaza-un-warns-non-stop-israeli-strike-rcna176360 |website=NBC News |date=23 October 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024}}
=Targeting of civilians=
Per the Palestinian Civil Defense, at least 17 people, including 9 children, were killed in the IDF's initial wave of airstrikes. One of those killed was journalist Hassan Hamad, who was reportedly deliberately targeted by Israel after receiving threats via messages and calls from Israeli officers, ordering him to stop his reporting.{{Cite web |title=Gaza's government media office confirms death of journalist in Jabalia |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/gazas-government-media-office-confirms-death-journalist-jabalia?nid=398706&topic=Israel%2527s%2520war%2520on%2520Gaza&fid=533176 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}} After an Israeli airstrike on 11 October that killed at least 22 Palestinians and wounded more than 90, Hamas made a statement the following day condemning what it described as the "Nazi occupation’s massacres" in Jabalia under United States protection.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2024 |title=Israel has carried out 'massacres' in Jabalia under US protection |url=https://aje.io/3hvwfl?update=3241598 |website=Al Jazeera}} Journalists stated they were being directly targeted by the Israeli army, including Fadi Al Wahidi, who was reportedly shot in the neck by a sniper.{{cite web |last1=Livingstone |first1=Helen |title=Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp, officials say, as thousands remain trapped |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/12/israeli-strikes-kill-dozens-in-gazas-jabalia-refugee-camp-officials-say-as-thousands-remain-trapped |website=The Guardian |date=12 October 2024 |access-date=22 October 2024}}
On 14 October, Al Jazeera Arabic reported the Israeli military was planting explosives in homes to demolish them.{{cite web |title=Israeli forces plant explosives, besiege families in northern Gaza |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-plant-explosives-besiege-families-northern-gaza?nid=402086&topic=Israel%2527s%2520war%2520on%2520Gaza&fid=534461 |access-date=16 October 2024 |website=Middle East Eye}} The same day, medics reported that Israeli forces fired on civilians waiting for flour at a food distribution centre, killing ten people and wounding dozens.{{cite web |title=More on Israel's attack on Gaza food distribution centre |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/14/live-22-dead-80-wounded-as-israeli-army-shells-gaza-school-shelter?update=3245972 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera English}} On 16 October, the Gaza Civil Defense stated there were dozens of people trapped under the rubble, and some bodies were laying in the road unable to be rescued.{{cite web |title=Gaza civil defence: Dozens of killed in Jabalia are unreachable |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/16/live-ten-killed-as-israel-hits-homes-healthcare-centre-in-lebanons-qana?update=3252171 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera English}} Gaza's civil defence agency spokesman stated, "There are a number of pleas from families being bombed inside Jabalia camp... but it is difficult for our teams to reach the bombed sites".{{cite web |title=Gaza Rescuers Say Over 400 Killed In Two Weeks Of Israeli Assault On Territory's North |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/gaza-rescuers-say-over-400-killed-in-past-two-weeks-in-israel-assault-on-territory-s-north-bfbb44e1 |website=Barron's |publisher=Agence France Presse |access-date=23 October 2024}} As a result, northern Gaza's head of emergency services stated, stray dogs were eating bodies in the street.{{cite web |last1=Khadder |first1=Kareem |last2=Haq |first2=Sana Noor |last3=Kourdi |first3=Eyad |title=Stray dogs are eating the dead in the streets of northern Gaza, emergency services chief says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/16/middleeast/israeli-incursion-northern-gaza-stray-dogs-eating-bodies-intl/index.html |website=CNN |date=16 October 2024 |access-date=22 October 2024}}
On 18 October, video from the Jabalia camp showed a double tap strike in which a 13-year-old boy was hit by an airstrike, and after a crowd gathered to help him, a second bomb fell, killing the thirteen-year-old and another boy and wounding 20 others.{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Evan |title=Video shows Israeli strike on crowd of people trying to help wounded boy |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/21/gaza-israel-strike-jabalya-video/?utm |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=28 October 2024}} Al Jazeera Arabic reported a home had been demolished while a family was still inside it.{{cite web |title=People run from shelling in Gaza's Jabalia; house bulldozed with family inside |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/18/live-israel-says-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwar-killed-war-on-gaza-to-continue?update=3256840 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera English}} Jabalia experienced a communications blackout, which disrupted rescue operations.{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-sends-more-troops-into-north-gaza-deepens-raid-2024-10-18/ |website=Reuters |access-date=21 October 2024}} The blackout was reportedly caused by damage to key infrastructure in Jabalia, including communication towers.{{cite web |title=Reports of telecoms blackout as Israeli forces attack northern Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/18/live-israel-says-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwar-killed-war-on-gaza-to-continue?update=3256557 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera English}} Attack drones and ongoing bombings also prevented the civil defense from rescuing residents trapped under rubble.{{cite web |last1=Mahmoud |first1=Hani |title=Attack drones and Israeli strikes are preventing rescues |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/18/live-israel-says-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwar-killed-war-on-gaza-to-continue?update=3256049 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera English}} On 19 October, 33 people were killed and more wounded by an Israeli airstrike on several houses near the Nassar junction. The entirety of the historic Block 2 area was reportedly destroyed by Israel, including homes and infrastructure.{{cite web |title=Israeli strike on Gaza's Beit Lahia believed to have killed 87, as siege on north continues |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-strike-gazas-besieged-beit-lahia-kills-least-87 |website=The New Arab |access-date=22 October 2024}} According to one woman, "The Israelis started shelling us with artillery, their drone and warplanes fired missiles, too. Then, they stormed the area with their tanks and opened fire randomly."{{cite web |title=In Jabalia, Israeli forces 'detained all men and warned women to leave' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/20/live-dozens-killed-in-israeli-attack-on-beit-lahiya-in-north-of-gaza?update=3261808 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=24 October 2024}} At least 87 people were killed by an airstrike in Beit Lahia.{{cite web |title=As Israel's siege on north Gaza continues, how are people coping? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/21/as-israels-siege-on-north-gaza-continues-how-are-people-coping |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=29 October 2024}}
On 21 October, 10 people were reportedly killed and 30 wounded by an Israeli attack at the Jabalia Preparatory School turned shelter.{{cite web |title=Israeli forces raid north Gaza schools and march displaced people out at gunpoint |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israeli-forces-raid-northern-gaza-schools-and-march-displaced-people-out-gunpoint |website=Middle East Eye |access-date=24 October 2024}} A paramedic fleeing the shelter stated that people were attempting to comply with an evacuation order when "suddenly there was shelling".{{cite web |title=Israeli Assault Sends Terrified Palestinians Fleeing North Gaza |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/israeli-assault-sends-terrified-palestinians-fleeing-north-gaza-0f669827 |website=Barron's |publisher=Agence France Presse |access-date=24 October 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Gritten |first1=David |title=Palestinians fleeing Jabalia say bodies are left lying on streets |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7818g3n3lko |website=BBC News |access-date=24 October 2024}} On 23 October, civil defence teams stated they were attempting to rescue people buried under rubble by hand.{{cite web |last1=Khoudary |first1=Hind |title=People in northern Gaza 'feeling abandoned' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/23/live-israeli-tank-fire-on-north-gaza-school-beirut-bombed-again?update=3267505 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=25 October 2024}} The same day, three civil defense workers were wounded in a "targeted strike" by Israel, leading the agency to suspend operations in northern Gaza.{{cite web |title=Israeli assault on northern Gaza forces postponement of polio vaccination campaign |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/24/israel-gaza-strikes-jabalia-polio-vaccine-campaign-postponed |website=The Guardian |date=24 October 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024}} Israeli forces also reportedly killed northern Gaza's chief of police.{{cite web |title=Israeli attack kills northern Gaza police chief |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/23/live-israeli-tank-fire-on-north-gaza-school-beirut-bombed-again?update=3267876 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=25 October 2024}} The civil defense reported 150 people were killed and injured in an airstrike on Jabalia's Block 7 on 24 October.{{cite web |title=At least 150 people killed, injured in Israeli strike: Gaza civil defense |url=https://english.news.cn/20241025/ee44169e23dd4bcda313cadf1ff71e5b/c.html |website=Xinhua |access-date=25 October 2024}} Dozens were killed by Israeli strikes on residences in Beit Lahia on 26 October.{{cite web |last1=Yazbek |first1=Hiba |last2=Sobelman |first2=Gabby |title=An Israeli Strike in Beit Lahia Killed and Injured Dozens of People, Gazan Officials Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/27/world/middleeast/israel-strike-beit-lahia-gaza.html |website=The New York Times |date=27 October 2024 |access-date=30 October 2024}} As many as 93 people were killed by an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahia on 29 October.{{cite web |last1=Yazbek |first1=Hiba |last2=Sheikh Ahmad |first2=Rawan |last3=Boxerman |first3=Aaron |last4=Levenson |first4=Michael |title=Israel Hits Gaza Town for Third Time in Days, Killing Dozens, Officials Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/29/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-beit-lahia.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare |website=The New York Times |date=29 October 2024 |access-date=29 October 2024}}
On 1 November 2024, the Gaza Government Media Office reported two Israeli airstrikes on residential buildings killed 84 people, including 50 children.{{cite web |title=At least 84 killed in Gaza; Israel resumes raids across Lebanon |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/11/1/live-israeli-attacks-kill-95-in-gaza-6-medics-among-45-killed-in-lebanon?update=3290472 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=2 November 2024}} The civil defense stated they were unable to reach the site and residents were attempting rescues.{{cite web |last1=Abu Azzoum |first1=Tareq |title=Palestinians trapped beneath debris after deadly Israeli bombing in Jabalia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/11/2/live-israel-massacres-84-in-gaza-air-strikes-kill-dozens-across-lebanon?update=3291324 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=3 November 2024}} Women evacuating from Jabalia stated the Israeli army forced them into holes, where dust was thrown on them as an intimidation tactic.{{cite web |last1=Abu Azzoum |first1=Tareq |title='Women forced into holes': Israel's intimidation tactics |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/24/live-israel-pounds-beirut-in-violent-night-of-attacks-on-south-suburbs?update=3269719 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=4 November 2024}}
Dr. Mounir al-Bursh, the director-general of the Gaza Health Ministry stated "entire families have disappeared" during Israel's siege and attack on northern Gaza.{{cite web |title='Entire families have disappeared' in northern Gaza siege |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/16/live-ten-killed-as-israel-hits-homes-healthcare-centre-in-lebanons-qana?update=3251402 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=19 October 2024}} Residents were quoted as saying they were undergoing a genocide, with one reporter stating, "Families have been getting killed inside their homes in Jabalia."{{cite web |title=At least 39 killed across Gaza as Israeli army escalates assault in north |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/18/at-least-34-killed-across-gaza-as-israeli-army-escalates-assault-in-north |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=21 October 2024}}
Humanitarian impacts
The true extent of the siege and attacks on northern Gaza are largely unknown, due to widespread communications blackouts, the lack of emergency services to rescue people buried under rubble, and Israeli attacks on and killing of Palestinian journalists documenting its actions.{{cite web |last1=McKernan |first1=Bethan |last2=Tantesh |first2=Malak A. |title='No one is coming to save them': blackouts hide horrors of siege of north Gaza |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/29/no-one-is-coming-to-save-them-blackouts-hide-horrors-of-siege-of-north-gaza |website=The Guardian |date=29 October 2024 |access-date=31 October 2024}} Gaza's civil defence agency, responsible for first responder and rescue services, stated on 24 October that it could no longer operate in northern Gaza due to threats from the Israeli military.{{cite web |title=Rescuers Say Halting Work In North Gaza After Israel Threats |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/rescuers-say-halting-work-in-north-gaza-after-israel-threats-bffb1265 |website=Barron's |publisher=Agence France Presse |access-date=4 November 2024}} On 1 November 2024, the acting UN humanitarian aid chief Joyce Msuya, the heads of UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and other UN agencies and aid groups warned that the entire population of northern Gaza was "at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence".{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Michelle |title=North Gaza 'apocalyptic,' everyone at 'imminent risk' of death, warns UN |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/north-gaza-apocalyptic-everyone-imminent-risk-death-warns-un-2024-11-01/ |website=Reuters |access-date=2 November 2024}} According to the UN Population Fund, an estimated 4,000 pregnant women remained trapped in northern Gaza.{{cite web |title=Pregnant women among thousands trapped in northern Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/11/2/live-israel-massacres-84-in-gaza-air-strikes-kill-dozens-across-lebanon?update=3291827 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=3 November 2024}}
On 4 November 2024, the head of the Gaza civil defense stated, "Medical teams, civil defence crews and hospitals in the northern region have been out of service for the 13th day in a row."{{cite web |title=Gaza health ministry says Israel bombarding last hospital in north |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/middle-east/20241104-gaza-health-ministry-says-israel-bombarding-last-hospital-in-north |website=Radio France Internationale |date=4 November 2024 |access-date=5 November 2024}} By then, northern Gaza had no functioning ambulances operating in the area.{{cite web |last1=Mahmoud |first1=Hani |title=Besieged Gaza hospital 'turned more into a graveyard than a health facility' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/11/4/live-israeli-forces-attack-health-centres-in-gaza-and-lebanon?update=3296580 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=5 November 2024}}
=Humanitarian aid and supplies=
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini stated Israel was preventing medicine and food from entering northern Gaza.{{cite web |last1=al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=UN agency says Israel still preventing aid from reaching northern Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-agency-says-israel-still-preventing-aid-reaching-northern-gaza-2024-10-21/ |website=Reuters |access-date=28 October 2024}} According to Farhan Haq, a UN deputy spokesperson, Israel had denied UN requests to deliver humanitarian aid to northern Gaza as many as 28 times between 6 and 20 October.{{cite web |last1=Kouddous |first1=Sharif Abdel |last2=Abed |first2=Abubaker |title=The Murderous Logistics of Israel's Ethnic Cleansing Campaign in Northern Gaza |url=https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/israel-north-gaza-hospital-eyewitness-palestine-united-nations |website=Drop Site News |access-date=29 October 2024}} According to UNOCHA, psychotropic medications were depleted in northern Gaza, as humanitarians reported that two water stations in the region had stopped operating, and a delivery of 23,000 litres of fuel had been denied.{{cite web |title=Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon |url=https://www.unocha.org/news/todays-top-news-occupied-palestinian-territory-lebanon-1 |website=OCHA |publisher=United Nations |access-date=28 October 2024}} Oxfam stated that "the areas that are being depopulated right now have received nothing", in terms of humanitarian aid or supplies.{{cite web |title=Gaza aid falls to lowest level since start of war despite US warning to Israel |url=https://www.ft.com/content/99488ed6-e3e3-4d07-9316-e236b3640ddc# |website=Financial Times |date=30 October 2024 |access-date=30 October 2024|url-access=subscription}} An Oxfam official stated people in northern Gaza were starving to death, stating, "There is nothing. You are talking about tens of days that they are not receiving any supplies".{{cite web |title=Palestinians 'starving to death' in northern Gaza due to Israeli siege |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/27/palestinians-starving-to-death-in-northern-gaza-due-to-israels-siege |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=1 November 2024}} Volker Türk, the UN's human rights chief, stated Israel was subjecting "an entire population" to siege and the risk of starvation.{{cite web |title=Gaza aid fears as Israel bans UN Palestinian refugee agency |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp2ejzpxeo |website=BBC News |access-date=30 October 2024}} The Gaza Health Ministry stated that it had run out of coffins for the dead and had requested civilians to donate household fabrics.{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=UN agency head calls for temporary truce in besieged north Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-agency-head-calls-temporary-truce-northern-gaza-2024-10-22/ |website=Reuters |access-date=28 October 2024}}
On 1 November, the United States described Israel's allowances of aid into northern Gaza as "insufficient".{{cite web |last1=Knickmeyer |first1=Ellen |title=Israel is falling far short of a US ultimatum to surge aid to Gaza |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-humanitarian-aid-military-funding-11bdf4ffd22e0f4c68b2b7b0e24bda77 |website=Associated Press |date=November 2024 |access-date=3 November 2024}} On 4 November, the U.S. stated Israel had "failed to implement" their recommendations, and that it would "follow the law" if Israel did not comply by its deadline.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Matthew |title=US gives Israel a 'fail' grade on improving aid to Gaza so far |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/11/04/israel-gaza-humanitarian-aid-blinken-austin/7533f816-9af3-11ef-b90e-a2320192900f_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=5 November 2024}}
=Hospitals and healthcare=
During the siege, the Health Ministry stated Israel was "intensifying its targeting of the health system in the northern Gaza Strip".{{cite web |last1=Zilber |first1=Neri |last2=Cornish |first2=Chloe |title=Israeli air strike kills 33 in Gaza refugee camp as Hizbollah launches rocket attack |url=https://www.ft.com/content/0c888bcf-8f33-475c-865c-936843687391?shareType=nongift |website=Financial Times |date=19 October 2024 |access-date=21 October 2024|url-access=subscription}} WHO's vaccination campaign to address Gaza's polio epidemic was delayed in northern Gaza due to the escalating violence and intense bombing.{{cite web |title=Israeli strikes delay polio vaccine campaign in the north |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1156011 |website=UN News |date=23 October 2024 |access-date=25 October 2024}} On 9 October, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 15 people inside Al-Yemen Al-Saeed Hospital in Jabalia, which has housed displaced families.{{Cite web |last=Al-Mughrabi |first=Nidal |date=9 October 2024 |title=Israel carries out new strikes in Gaza, UN chief says many trapped in north |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-carries-out-new-strikes-gaza-un-chief-says-many-trapped-north-2024-10-09/ |website=Reuters}} Israel reportedly used a "double tap" bombing, injuring fifteen people in a family home, then targeted an ambulance arriving to help them, killing a doctor.{{cite web |title=US advocacy group condemns 'double tap' attack that killed children, doctor in Jabalia |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/16/live-ten-killed-as-israel-hits-homes-healthcare-centre-in-lebanons-qana?update=3250308 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera English}}
The Gaza Health Ministry stated Israel had besieged and was directly targeting the Indonesia Hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital, and Al-Awda Hospital.{{cite web |last1=Clayton |first1=Freddie |title=Israel targets three hospitals in Gaza, says health ministry |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/live-blog/live-updates-drone-strike-lebanon-netanyahu-gaza-rcna176216/rcrd60600?canonicalCard=true |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=NBC News|date=19 October 2024 }} More than 350 patients were reportedly trapped in the three hospitals, including pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and individuals needing surgeries. The Al Awda hospital stated Israeli strikes on the hospital and an ambulance had wounded several medical staff.{{cite web |last1=Schrek |first1=Adam |title=Israel pounds Lebanon and Gaza with airstrikes and says a drone targeted Netanyahu's house |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-pounds-lebanon-and-gaza-with-airstrikes-and-says-a-drone-targeted-netanyahus-house |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=PBS|date=19 October 2024 }} In a statement, the director of Al-Awda Hospital stated, "Israeli forces are targeting everything that moves in northern Gaza".{{cite web |title=Northern Gaza hospital overwhelmed with casualties amid ongoing Israeli attacks: Director |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/10/16/live-ten-killed-as-israel-hits-homes-healthcare-centre-in-lebanons-qana?update=3251131 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Al Jazeera English}}
==Indonesia Hospital==
The Indonesia Hospital's director stated, "Israeli tanks have completely surrounded the hospital, cut off electricity and shelled the hospital, targeting the second and third floors with artillery".{{cite web |title=Gaza Authorities Accuse Israeli Forces Of Attacking Hospital |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/gaza-authorities-accuse-israeli-forces-of-attacking-hospital-abacf9a3 |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Barron's |publisher=Agence France Presse}} Staff reported heavy gunfire directed at the hospital, with more than 40 patients injured.{{cite web |title=Gaza officials accuse Israel of attacking hospital |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/1019/1476299-middle-east-gaza/ |website=RTÉ |date=19 October 2024 |access-date=22 October 2024}} Two patients at Indonesia Hospital were reported to have died after the hospital lost electricity, as the UN stated the Indonesia Hospital was no longer operational.{{cite web |last1=Abualouf |first1=Rushdi |title=Israeli strikes said to have killed dozens in Gaza |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8xez14e7lro |website=BBC News |access-date=21 October 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Loveluck |first1=Louisa |last2=Mahfouz |first2=Heba Farouk |last3=Balousha |first3=Hazem |last4=Harb |first4=Hajar |title=Israeli strike kills at least 73 people in northern Gaza, medics say |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/19/israel-strike-beit-lahia-northern-gaza/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=22 October 2024}} Indonesia Hospital's chief nurse stated the hospital's water supply had been cut, that operating the electric generator required permission from the IDF, and there was no food available for four consecutive days.{{cite web |last1=Kekatos |first1=Mary |title=Patients are 'trapped' in northern Gaza hospitals as IDF operations continue: MSF |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/patients-trapped-northern-gaza-hospitals-idf-operations-continue/story?id=114986778 |website=ABC News |access-date=23 October 2024}} On 21 October 2024, medics at Indonesia Hospital stated Israeli forces set a nearby school on fire, which spread to the hospital and shut down its power.{{cite web |last1=Bacon |first1=John |last2=Mayes-Osterman |first2=Cybele |title=Gaza refugee camp hit just days after one of deadliest attacks in war killed 87 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/israel-hamas/2024/10/21/israel-gaza-jabalia-refugee-camp-attack/75773284007/ |website=USA Today |access-date=24 October 2024}}
==Kamal Adwan Hospital==
On 25 October 2024, Israel launched a raid of Kamal Adwan Hospital.{{cite web |last1=Kermani |first1=Secunder |title=Israel raids hospital in Northern Gaza, kills dozens with air strikes in the south |url=https://www.channel4.com/news/israel-raids-hospital-in-northern-gaza-kills-dozens-with-air-strikes-in-the-south |website=Channel 4 |date=25 October 2024 |access-date=29 October 2024}} The Palestinian health ministry stated 600 patients, companions, and staff were trapped.{{cite web |title=Patients, staff trapped in Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital amid Israeli siege |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/25/patients-staff-trapped-in-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-amid-israeli-siege |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=29 October 2024}} The following day, the World Health Organization stated that while the hospital was still under siege, it had regained contact with its employees there, stating that four employees were injured, 44 health workers had been detained, and four ambulances were damaged.{{cite web |title=Three Health Workers Injured, Dozens Detained At North Gaza Hospital: WHO |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/three-health-workers-injured-dozens-detained-at-north-gaza-hospital-who-cf8f6ec1 |website=Barron's |publisher=Agence France Presse |access-date=29 October 2024}} The Gaza Ministry of Health stated that Israeli forces had detained all male medical staff.{{cite web |title=Israeli forces kill children, detain staff and patients at Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-forces-kill-children-detain-patients-gaza-hospital |website=The New Arab |access-date=29 October 2024}} On 27 October, Dr. Khalil Daqran stated only one medical staff remained in the entire hospital, and that Israeli forces had set parts of the hospital on fire, destroyed its entrances, and demolished walls.{{cite web |last1=Vock |first1=Ido |title=One medic left at Gaza hospital as Israel says it arrested 100 'terrorists' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c245n75587vo |website=BBC News |access-date=29 October 2024}} Before being detained, one doctor stated, "There is death in all types and forms in Kamal Adwan Hospital and North Gaza."{{cite web |title=What's happening in northern Gaza? |url=https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/whats-happening-northern-gaza |website=Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières |access-date=2 November 2024}}
On 28 October, the IDF said that it captured 100 Hamas militants during the raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital. Both local medics and Hamas denied there was any militant presence at the hospital.{{Cite web |date=28 October 2024 |title=Some 100,000 residents trapped in Israel's north Gaza assault, Palestinians say |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/north-gaza-palestinians-trapped-israel-1.7365407 |website=CBC}} Later that day, the IDF withdrew from the hospital.{{Cite news |date=28 October 2024 |title=IDF withdraws from northern Gaza's last operational hospital; cease-fire talks resume in Doha |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/28/israel-iran-war-news-gaza-hamas/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}} Following the raid, the Gaza Ministry of Health stated, "Two children have died in the intensive care unit after the hospital's generators failed and the oxygen station was targeted".{{cite web |title=Two children die in Gaza's Kamal Adwan hospital following raid |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/two-children-die-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-following-raid |website=Middle East Eye |access-date=31 October 2024}} The W.H.O. stated they had continued with patient evacuations, as Kamal Adwan's building was damaged, four ambulances were destroyed, and patients needed medical supplies, food, and water.{{cite web |title=WHO evacuates more patients from Kamal Adwan |url=https://ruralradio.com/maxcountry/abc_news/israelgazalebanon-live-updates-110-dead-including-25-children-in-strike-on-gaza-abcid6a3dbeca/ |website=Rural Radio |access-date=1 November 2024}} The W.H.O. stated that it delivered medical aid to the hospital after the raid, but that an Israeli strike had destroyed it.{{cite web |last1=Stack |first1=Liam |title=Strike on Gaza Hospital Destroys U.N. Supplies, Palestinian Officials Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/31/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-hospital-strike.html |website=The New York Times |date=31 October 2024 |access-date=3 November 2024}} Following continued bombing of the hospital on 4 November, the Gaza Ministry of Health stated, "It seems that a decision has been made to execute all the staff who refused to evacuate the hospital".{{cite web |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first1=Nidal |title=Israeli strikes kill at least 16 people in Gaza, keep up pressure on north |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strikes-kill-10-people-gaza-keep-up-pressure-north-2024-11-04/ |website=Reuters |access-date=5 November 2024}}
On 26 December, an Israeli attack killed 50 people in a building adjacent to the hospital that was housing the hospital staff and their families.{{Cite web |title=Israeli soldiers storm Gaza's last working hospital, force out semi-naked medics and patients |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/war-gaza-israel-soldiers-kamal-adwan-hospital-force-out-medics-and-patients |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}} The next day, 27 December, the Israeli army stormed the hospital, and hospital officials said Israeli troops set parts of the hospital on fire.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-27 |title=Israeli troops burn northern Gaza hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients, officials say |url=https://apnews.com/article/gaza-hospital-israel-troops-patients-fire-5bfab932afc29ce2205765ce1416a808 |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Fire at Kamal Adwan Hospital burns down key departments: Gaza ministry |url=https://aje.io/inxmnq?update=3410592}} The Israeli army forced all patients and staff to leave, and videos showed that Israel had stripped the staff to their underwear and forced them to march from the hospital to an unknown destination.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-27 |title=Israeli Forces Storm Kamal Adwan, Detain Patients, Threaten Director with Arrest |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/israeli-forces-storm-kamal-adwan-detain-patients-threaten-director-with-arrest/ |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=Palestine Chronicle |language=en-US}} The Israeli army also reportedly switched off oxygen supplies. The Israeli army also arrested 240 individuals it identified as Hamas operatives during the operation, reinforcing its position that the hospital served as a critical point for Hamas operations.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-12-28 |title=IDF arrests over 240 terror suspects in raid on northern Gaza hospital |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syfpgjpryg |access-date=2024-12-28 |work=Ynetnews |language=en}}
Reactions
The United Nations Human Rights Office warned that Israel was "effectively sealing off North Gaza" and may be committing a war crime as it was possibly attempting to forcibly transfer the region's civilian population.{{cite web |last1=Krever |first1=Mick |title=Israel "sealing off" northern Gaza and may be carrying out large-scale forced transfer of civilians, UN warns |url=https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-lebanon-gaza-war-10-15-24-intl-hnk#cm2a5rxx500003b6ngrbwhdrl |website=CNN |date=15 October 2024 |access-date=19 October 2024}} Later the Human Rights Office stated that Israel's conduct might be "causing the destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza’s northernmost governate through death and displacement."{{cite web |last1=Awky |first1=Zoya |last2=Da Silva |first2=Chantal |title=Israel strikes banks across Lebanon to hit Hezbollah's finances; IDF making life 'impossible' in northern Gaza, U.N. says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-strikes-banks-lebanon-hezbollah-finances-blinken-middle-east-rcna176341 |website=NBC News |date=21 October 2024 |access-date=22 October 2024}} UNOCHA stated it was continuing to "sound the alarm" about the "atrocious conditions" families were experiencing in northern Gaza.{{cite web |title=Gaza civil defence agency says Israeli strike kills 33 in Jabalia |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/world/israels-attack-on-palestine/news/gaza-civil-defence-agency-says-israeli-strike-kills-33-jabalia-3730936 |website=The Daily Star |date=19 October 2024 |publisher=Agence France Press |access-date=21 October 2024}} Joyce Msuya, the UN's acting humanitarian chief, stated, "Appalling news from northern Gaza where Palestinians continue to endure unspeakable horrors under siege by Israeli forces".{{cite web |last1=Millard |first1=Robin |title=Palestinians Enduring 'Unspeakable Horrors' In North Gaza: UN |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/palestinians-enduring-unspeakable-horrors-in-north-gaza-un-c2796a27 |website=Barron's |access-date=23 October 2024}} James Elder, the spokesperson for UNICEF, stated, "We see now what is probably the worst restrictions we've seen on humanitarian aid, ever".{{cite web |title=UN Decries 'Worst Restrictions' On Gaza Aid Since Start Of War |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/un-decries-worst-restrictions-on-gaza-aid-since-start-of-war-bf8c8c71 |website=Barron's |publisher=Agence France Presse |access-date=19 October 2024}} In a statement, Oxfam and 37 other humanitarian organizations stated that northern Gaza was being "wiped off the map".{{cite web |title=Northern Gaza is being erased – global leaders must act now to end Israel's atrocities |url=https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/urgent-joint-statement-northern-gaza-being-erased-global-leaders-must-act-now-end |website=Oxfam International |access-date=20 October 2024}} UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, "People suffering under the ongoing Israeli siege in north Gaza are rapidly exhausting all available means for their survival".{{cite web |last1=Karanth |first1=Sanjana |title=Humanitarians Warn Israel Is Rapidly Erasing Northern Gaza: 'We Feel Hopeless' |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/humanitarians-warn-israel-rapidly-erasing-004856247.html |website=Yahoo! News |date=24 October 2024 |publisher=HuffPost |access-date=27 October 2024}} Volker Türk, the UN's human rights chief, called the attacks on northern Gaza the "darkest moment" of the conflict in Gaza.{{cite web |last1=Gritten |first1=David |title=Gaza war's 'darkest moment' unfolding in north, UN says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0m4xlg093o |website=BBC News |access-date=29 October 2024}}
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated the northern Gaza's "entire population" was "in immediate danger of death".{{cite web |title=Finland says Israel must comply with ICJ orders |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/11/2/live-israel-massacres-84-in-gaza-air-strikes-kill-dozens-across-lebanon?update=3292611 |website=Al Jazeera English |access-date=3 November 2024}} Eran Etzion, the former deputy head of the Israeli National Security Council, stated, "I want to say plainly that all [Israeli] soldiers and all officers who are asked to fulfill an order that might be a war crime in the framework of the Generals' Plan must refuse".{{cite web |last1=Scheindlin |first1=Dahlia |title=Black Flags and War Crimes: Should Israeli Soldiers in Gaza Refuse to Obey Orders? |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-11-01/ty-article/.premium/black-flags-and-war-crimes-should-israeli-soldiers-in-gaza-refuse-to-obey-orders/00000192-e693-d61b-adb7-fe937f170000 |website=Haaretz |access-date=4 November 2024|url-access=subscription}}
In a statement, Doctors Without Borders stand, "We call on the Israeli forces to immediately stop their attacks on hospitals in North Gaza".{{cite web |title=Last remaining hospitals in North Gaza under siege and population trapped |url=https://www.msf.org/last-remaining-hospitals-north-gaza-under-siege-and-population-trapped |website=Doctors Without Borders |access-date=22 October 2024}} B'tselem stated that the "magnitude of the crimes" Israel was committing in northern Gaza were "impossible to describe".{{cite web |title=The world must stop the ethnic cleansing of northern Gaza |url=https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20241022_the_world_must_stop_the_ethnic_cleansing_of_northern_gaza |website=B'tselem |access-date=27 October 2024}} The International Committee of the Red Cross described the level of suffering in northern Gaza as "unimaginable".{{cite web |last1=Gritten |first1=David |title=Israel still preventing humanitarian missions to north Gaza, Unrwa says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvglg9293ddo |website=BBC News |access-date=28 October 2024}}
Israel has denied that it is attempting to intentionally remove or displace the population of northern Gaza.{{cite web |last1=Tibon |first1=Amir |title=Israel Denies Intentional Displacement of Palestinians in Northern Gaza Amid Western Concerns |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-10-21/ty-article/.premium/we-are-truly-worried-that-israel-is-going-to-commit-something-very-dangerous-in-gaza/00000192-aef7-d30f-a39e-eef78d1b0000 |website=Haaretz |access-date=27 October 2024|url-access=subscription}} Sawsan Zaher, a Palestinian human rights lawyer, stated, "It doesn’t matter if Israel says it is doing this or not, if it calls it by a different name or not. What matters in international law is what is happening on the ground, and we can clearly see Israel is trying to erase the Palestinian presence in north Gaza."{{cite web |last1=McKernan |first1=Bethan |title='Israel is trying to erase our presence': Palestinians say 'generals' plan' to clear north Gaza is under way |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/26/israel-generals-plan-clear-north-gaza-palestinians |website=The Guardian |date=26 October 2024 |access-date=29 October 2024}} In early November 2024, Brigadier General Itzik Cohen stated that humanitarian would only be allowed to enter southern Gaza, and that "there is no intention of allowing the residents of the northern Gaza Strip to return to their homes".{{cite web |last1=McKernan |first1=Bethan |last2=Christou |first2=William |title=Palestinians will not be allowed to return to homes in northern Gaza, says IDF |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/06/palestinians-will-not-be-allowed-to-return-to-homes-in-northern-gaza-says-idf |website=The Guardian |date=6 November 2024 |access-date=7 November 2024}}
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip stated they believed Israel was attempting to "finish the job" by forcing all residents of northern Gaza to flee.{{cite web |last1=McKernan |first1=Bethan |title='Israel is trying to erase our presence': Palestinians say 'generals' plan' to clear north Gaza is under way |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/26/israel-generals-plan-clear-north-gaza-palestinians |website=The Guardian |date=26 October 2024 |access-date=30 October 2024}} A resident who refused to leave Jabalia stated, "I'm afraid that if we leave, it will be easy for them to evacuate everyone in Gaza. First [they will drive us] from the camp, then the central Gaza Strip, and eventually all of Gaza."
= Related shooting attack in Israel =
Amid the fighting in Jabalia, Muhammad Dardouna, a native of the city, carried out a shooting attack at Highway 4 near Ashdod, Israel, on 15 October, killing a police officer and four other Israelis. While he was originally from Jabalia, Dardouna had moved to the West Bank several years ago and snuck into Israel to conduct the attack.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2024 |title=Policeman killed, 4 injured in terror shooting on highway near Ashdod |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/policeman-killed-4-injured-in-terror-shooting-on-highway-near-ashdod/ |website=The Times of Israel}} Hamas called the shooting a "natural response" to Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=Israeli Policeman Killed, Four Injured in Ashdod Shooting Operation - Knesset Considers Deportation Bill |url=https://www.palestinechronicle.com/israeli-policeman-killed-four-injured-in-ashdod-shooting-operation-knesset-considers-deportation-bill/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=Palestine Chronicle |language=en-US}}
End of the siege
On 19 January 2025, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. That same day, the IDF withdrew from the northern Gaza Strip to a buffer zone along the border with Israel, and Palestinians began returning to their homes in the area. In Jabalia, Palestinians were seen returning to what was described as "an apocalyptic landscape".{{Cite web |title=Photos: Forcibly displaced Palestinians return to their homes in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/1/19/photos-forcibly-displaced-palestinians-return-to-their-homes-in-gaza |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}
An analysis from The Jerusalem Post stated that the Israeli goal of forcing out the civilian population of North Gaza had failed.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-19 |title=Hamas wins the ceasefire, but Israel must win the war - opinion |url=https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-838250 |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:North Gaza 2024}}
Category:Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip
Category:Jabalia in the Israel–Hamas war
Category:2024 in the Gaza Strip
Category:Sieges of the Israel–Hamas war
Category:Israeli war crimes in the Israel–Hamas war
Category:Attacks on hospitals during the Israel–Hamas war
Category:Wartime hospital bombings in Asia
Category:Building bombings in the Gaza Strip
Category:2024 building bombings
Category:21st-century mass murder in the Gaza Strip
Category:Gaza Strip humanitarian crisis