The Israeli army has escalated its shelling of northern Gaza, further restricting aid deliveries by closing off roads, the Palestinian territory’s civil defense agency reported on Wednesday.
According to the agency’s director for northern Gaza, Ahmad al-Kahlut, the intensified bombardment has severely impacted civilians, creating widespread fear among the population.
Kahlut stated, “The shelling is intensifying, targeting civilians and their homes, causing significant fear and terror among the residents.”
The Israeli army, which recently surrounded Jabalia in northern Gaza, also issued new evacuation orders on Tuesday, with analysts suggesting that despite heavy strikes and fierce fighting, Hamas forces may be regrouping.
In addition to Jabalia, Kahlut reported that Israeli forces have targeted the northern towns of Beit Lahia and Beit Hanun.
“Roads have been closed, and the siege has persisted for the fourth consecutive day, preventing any supplies from entering the North Gaza Governorate,” he added.
But he said counting the casualties had been complicated by the “difficulty of recovery and access to all areas”.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said its teams had transported three dead and 15 injured from the al-Rafai school in Jabalia, where displaced Gazans had sought shelter.
The civil defence’s Kahlut said his agency had been receiving calls for help from various parts of northern Gaza, but staff had been unable to enter these areas for security reasons.
“So far, Kamal Adwan Hospital is still operational and is dealing with the injuries that the teams can recover,” he said, referring to a hospital in Beit Lahia.
Hisham Abu Aoun, head of the intensive care unit for the Friends of the Patient Hospital, said at least six children were evacuated to his hospital in Gaza City.
Amal Nasr, a resident of Jabalia, said her daughter Dana and husband Rami were both injured by gunfire while fleeing the area.
“My daughter Dana was shot in the neck, and my husband was shot in his leg by the occupation forces”, she said, adding her daughter was taken to a Gaza City hospital and was now in stable condition.
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