CAIRO. Israeli forces pushed into eastern Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip early on Sunday, following a night of intense aerial and ground assaults that left 19 dead and dozens wounded, as confirmed by health officials. The death toll in Israel’s military operation has now surpassed 35,000 Palestinians, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.
The current wave of violence was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in a significant loss of life and hostages, according to Israeli sources. The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of 620 Israeli soldiers thus far.
Jabalia, the largest of Gaza’s historic refugee camps housing over 100,000 Palestinians, has been a focal point of the latest Israeli offensive. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson, stated that the incursion aims to thwart Hamas’s efforts to rebuild its military infrastructure in the area. Hagari also confirmed the elimination of approximately 30 Palestinian militants in Gaza City’s Zeitoun district.
Residents of Jabalia described the relentless bombardment, expressing fear and uncertainty as the conflict intensifies. Saed, a 45-year-old resident, conveyed via a chat app, “The new incursion forces many families to evacuate. War is restarting, this is how it looks in Jabalia.”
The Israeli Defense Forces reported successful interception of two rockets launched from the vicinity of Rafah, a city bordering Egypt, without causing any injuries or damage. However, rocket fire from Gaza continued, prompting air raid sirens in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, signaling the militants’ capability to launch attacks despite the prolonged conflict.
In a separate incident, tanks and bulldozers reportedly engaged in a gunfight with Hamas fighters on the outskirts of Deir Al-Balah city. Tragically, an airstrike in Deir Al-Balah claimed the lives of two doctors, a father, and his son.
As the violence escalates, the humanitarian situation worsens, with thousands of families fleeing from areas under heavy military pressure. Tamer Al-Burai, a resident from Gaza, described witnessing the devastation, lamenting the lack of international intervention to halt the conflict. “No ceasefire, no U.N. decision, no hope,” he remarked.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri reiterated Cairo’s commitment to mediate between Israel and Hamas, urging both parties to demonstrate flexibility in pursuit of a resolution.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
