Gaza’s civil defense agency reported on Saturday that more than 400 Palestinians have been killed in the northern part of the territory during a military assault by Israel that has been ongoing for the past two weeks. The offensive, which Israel says is aimed at preventing Hamas militants from regrouping, has caused widespread devastation in the region.
“We have recovered more than 400 martyrs from the various targeted areas in the northern Gaza Strip, including Jabalia and its camp, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun, since the start of the military operation by the occupation army on October 6,” Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza’s civil defense agency, told AFP.
The death toll, primarily in the northern areas of Gaza, highlights the intensity of the military campaign, which has seen heavy bombardment and ground operations. Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun have been at the center of the conflict, with both residential areas and refugee camps being heavily affected by airstrikes and artillery fire.
Israel has justified its military actions as part of its broader effort to target Hamas fighters and infrastructure. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they have focused on key areas believed to be strongholds of Hamas militants, including tunnels and weapons caches, which they claim are being used to launch attacks on Israel. The operation, which began on October 6, has resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage to Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure.
Civilians in northern Gaza have borne the brunt of the military escalation, with rescue operations hindered by ongoing strikes and blockades. Bassal noted that the recovery of bodies from the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings has been slow due to the intensity of the attacks and the lack of necessary equipment. Many of the victims are believed to have been trapped under collapsed structures for days before they were retrieved.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as essential services like medical care, electricity, and clean water become scarce. Hospitals in the north of Gaza, overwhelmed by the influx of wounded, are appealing for urgent international assistance to cope with the increasing number of casualties.
As the conflict escalates, international calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid deliveries have intensified, though the violence shows little sign of abating. With over 400 Palestinians confirmed dead in just two weeks, the scale of the destruction in northern Gaza continues to grow.
