GAZA STRIP:An Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, marking the first deadly attack of the New Year, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. The strike targeted a house in Jabalia, where displaced families were taking refuge, including members of the Badra, Abu Warda, and Taroush families. In addition to the fatalities, more than 20 people were injured.
The Israeli military confirmed it was investigating the reported strike, as it has been conducting an extensive land and air offensive in northern Gaza since October 6, focusing on Jabalia and its refugee camp. The goal, according to Israel, is to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping. While the military claims to have killed hundreds of Hamas fighters, local rescuers report a significant number of civilian casualties.
The UN human rights experts have expressed concerns about the ongoing siege, suggesting it could be part of a plan to permanently displace the population of Gaza, potentially paving the way for its annexation.
Israeli officials have warned that they will intensify strikes if Hamas continues to fire rockets from Gaza. Despite the rockets causing little damage recently, they have been a source of political embarrassment for the Israeli government. Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning that the intensity of the Israeli response would escalate if Hamas does not allow for the release of Israeli hostages and halts rocket fire.
Hamas remains in control of 96 Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attack, and negotiations for their release or a ceasefire have yet to succeed.
