Israel has announced the return of its forces to northern Gaza to combat a resurgence of Hamas, resulting in renewed suffering for local residents.
Initially, Israeli forces targeted North Gaza last year, focusing on densely populated urban areas and agricultural land near the Israeli border. The military claimed that Hamas fighters were hiding among civilians, leading to strikes on residential neighborhoods, hospitals, and schools that had become shelters. This period marked one of the deadliest phases of the ongoing conflict.
Now, nearly a year later, the Israeli military has intensified its offensive in North Gaza, conducting daily attacks that have displaced approximately 100,000 residents and resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 individuals, according to United Nations estimates. These figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Residents report a dire situation, with so many bodies in the streets that stray dogs have begun to scavenge. A local journalist described the past month as one of extermination, highlighting the grim reality faced by the population.
The renewed fighting illustrates a cyclical pattern in Israel's military strategy, with officials likening it to "cutting the grass," a term used to describe the ongoing efforts to eliminate Hamas fighters. Despite significant military achievements, including the elimination of many Hamas leaders and fighters, Israel has not established a clear postwar strategy, allowing Hamas to regain strength.
North Gaza, located just north of Gaza City, has seen repeated military incursions. After a brief return in May, Israeli forces are now focused on isolating Hamas fighters in the region. A senior Israeli security official indicated that the military intends to remain in the area for at least another month, having captured 500 suspected Hamas fighters and killed 750 in recent operations.
The humanitarian situation in North Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with infrastructure in ruins and aid severely restricted. A U.N. panel has warned of imminent famine, and emergency services have ceased operations due to safety concerns. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that ambulances are unable to reach the most affected areas.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, with many patients unable to receive necessary treatment. The director of Kamal Adwan Hospital issued urgent pleas for assistance, citing a lack of medical personnel and resources. The hospital has been bombed multiple times, with the Israeli military claiming that Hamas militants are using such facilities for cover.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Israeli military maintains that it has not targeted hospitals directly, attributing damage to nearby militant activities. The United Nations has reported that humanitarian aid to North Gaza has been nearly entirely cut off, with a U.S. deadline for increased aid approaching.
As the situation escalates, many residents have been ordered to evacuate, yet fears persist regarding the potential for permanent depopulation of northern Gaza. The Israeli government has considered plans to force remaining residents to leave the region.
In a stark contrast to the ongoing violence, some local farmers had attempted to rebuild their livelihoods earlier this year, only to face further tragedy as conflict resumed. The situation remains precarious for the remaining population, with ongoing military operations and humanitarian crises compounding their struggles.