Israel Defends Itself in World Court Amid Fierce Fighting in Northern Gaza

Israeli forces engaged in fierce battles with Hamas fighters in the narrow alleyways of Jabalia in northern Gaza on Friday, marking some of the most intense clashes since their return to the area a week ago. Residents reported that Israeli tanks had advanced as far as the market at the heart of Jabalia, the largest of Gaza’s historic refugee camps, with bulldozers demolishing homes and shops in their path.

As the fighting escalated in both the north and south of the territory, the U.S. military announced that trucks carrying humanitarian aid had begun moving ashore from a temporary pier in Gaza on Friday morning.

Ayman Rajab, a resident of western Jabalia, expressed frustration at the ongoing conflict, stating, “Israel’s focus is Jabalia now, tanks and planes are wiping out residential districts and markets, shops, restaurants, everything. It is all happening before the one-eyed world.” Rajab emphasized the desire for an end to the war to allow residents to rebuild their lives.

Despite previous claims of clearing Jabalia months earlier, Israel stated that they had returned to prevent Hamas from re-establishing itself in the area. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 35,000 Palestinians killed according to the enclave’s health ministry.

The situation has also strained relations between Israel and its main ally, the United States, with Washington delaying a weapons shipment over concerns of civilian casualties. The UNRWA reported that over 630,000 people have been forced to flee Rafah since the military offensive began, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.