Israeli Airstrikes Hit Gaza Refugee Camp

Israeli airstrikes targeted a heavily populated refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, resulting in the death of at least 50 Palestinians, a Hamas commander, and injuring numerous civilians. These airstrikes hit Jabalia, Gaza’s largest refugee camp, after weeks of air bombardments in retaliation for a Palestinian Hamas militant attack on October 7.

The Aftermath of the Strike

The strike reportedly killed Ibrahim Biari, who Israel Defense Forces have identified as a key orchestrator in the October 7 attack. However, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem has denied the presence of any senior commander in the area, characterizing Israel’s claims as a pretext for civilian casualties. The blast resulted in significant damage, leaving large craters and wrecked buildings in the area.

Public Health Crisis in Gaza

The ongoing conflict has caused a public health crisis in Gaza. Aid officials report hospitals struggling to treat casualties due to dwindling medical supplies and power outages. In the aftermath of the attack on Jabalia, dozens of bodies were found shrouded in white outside the nearby Indonesian Hospital, according to footage obtained by Reuters.

International Reactions and Efforts

The situation has incited reactions worldwide. In Washington, anti-war protesters interrupted a congressional hearing on aid to Israel, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the protection of Gaza’s children.

The United States has reportedly made significant progress in negotiating safe passage for American citizens and other foreign nationals wishing to leave Gaza. Together with Qatar and Egypt, the U.S. has been working towards opening the Rafah crossing into Egypt. The Palestinian border authority announced that 81 severely wounded Gazans would be allowed to enter Egypt on Wednesday for treatment.

Israeli Ground Forces Engage Hamas

While airstrikes continue, Israeli ground forces are engaging Hamas militants in a complex tunnel network beneath Gaza. These tunnels are a primary target for Israel as it expands its ground offensive. The Israeli military reported hitting approximately 300 targets over the past day. In response, militants launched anti-tank missiles and machine gun fire.

The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with international calls for a “humanitarian pause” being dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Prime Minister remains resolute in his plans to eradicate Hamas, a goal unchanged since the militant group’s takeover of Gaza in 2007.