Israeli airstrikes intensify on northern Gaza, dozens of civilians killed

Gaza (Quds News Network)- Israel escalated its assault on Gaza on Saturday evening, launching dozens of airstrikes and artillery bombardments on the northern areas of Beit Lahia and Jabalia. Local sources report widespread destruction and mounting casualties, including the deaths of civilians and injuries to many others.

Israeli warplanes carried out more than 50 airstrikes targeting homes, rescue teams, agricultural lands, and streets in eastern Jabalia and northwestern Beit Lahia. One of the most devastating incidents occurred near the Jabalia Services Club, where Israeli forces bombed a water truck and then attacked civilians who rushed to aid the driver, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The airstrikes also hit the Jabalia Services Club itself, which had been sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians. Reports indicate a significant number of casualties as a result of this strike, adding to the grim toll of the ongoing genocide.

The situation in northern Gaza remains dire, with civilians fleeing their homes in Beit Lahia and surrounding areas as fears of an Israeli ground incursion grow. Preliminary reports suggest that Israeli forces may be moving into parts of northern Gaza under the cover of heavy artillery fire.

Massacres in Gaza’s Jabalia Camp

In one of the most brutal Israeli attacks of the night, Israeli airstrikes targeted a residential building belonging to the Al-Arabid family in Be’er Al-Na’ja, west of Jabalia. The attack claimed the lives of three civilians and injured several others. Another home, belonging to Meqbel family in Al-Qasaseeb neighborhood of Jabalia, was also struck, causing more casualties.

Journalists on the ground reported widespread destruction, including the bombing of Sha’ban family home in Jabalia, which left at least ten people dead or missing under the rubble. Additional strikes hit a residential apartment in Khudra Tower in central Jabalia, killing one woman and injuring others. The relentless bombardment extended to areas near Abu Jadian junction, close to Kamal Adwan Hospital, exacerbating the chaos and danger for medical teams.

Families Flee Amid Ongoing Bombardment

Amid the relentless Israeli airstrikes, families have been forced to flee from several neighborhoods in northern Gaza, including eastern Jabalia, Al-Karama, and the Sultan and Atatra neighborhoods in western Beit Lahia. Civilians are scrambling for safety, but the lack of secure shelter in Gaza leaves them at risk as the bombardment continues.

Meanwhile, airstrikes targeted the homes of journalists, including Wadi Abu Saud and Abu Kayed Ubaid, causing further casualties and widespread fear.

As the genocide continues, health officials report that dozens of people have been killed or injured in just the last few hours. Israeli forces have also carried out attacks on uninhabited homes in northwestern Gaza, using both aerial and artillery strikes, and Apache helicopters have fired indiscriminately at civilian areas in western Gaza.

In another harrowing incident, Israeli forces shelled the home of Naif Abdullah near the Saad bin Abi Waqas mosque in Jabalia, killing five civilians, including children and women.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that the Israeli military has committed three separate massacres in the past 24 hours, resulting in 23 deaths and 66 injuries, many of them children and women.

In central Gaza, six Palestinians were killed when Israeli warplanes bombed the homes of the Alyan and Karaja families in Al-Da’wa neighborhood, north of Al-Nuseirat refugee camp. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks and artillery have continued to fire at the northern and eastern outskirts of the camp.

Israeli airstrikes also hit Ahmed Al-Kurd school in western Deir al-Balah, where many displaced families had sought refuge. Several people, including children, were killed or wounded in this attack.

On the Ground: Israeli Troops Advance

Reports from local sources indicate that Israeli military vehicles have moved into strategic positions around Abu Safiya Hill, east of Jabalia, and in the eastern parts of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. Heavy shelling and gunfire have been directed at residential areas, with Israeli troops advancing under the cover of airstrikes and artillery bombardments.

In the latest attacks, four civilians were killed, and several others wounded by artillery fire in Beit Hanoun’s Al-Banat Street, highlighting the relentless nature of the Israeli assault on Gaza’s northern cities.

Health officials report that since the escalation began on October 7, 2024, over 41,825 Palestinians have been killed, and 96,910 others wounded, with children and women making up the majority of the casualties. Thousands more remain missing under the rubble as rescue teams struggle to keep up with the devastation.