Israel launches most intense bombing campaign in months on Gaza

The Israeli military has launched a new wave of attacks across the Gaza Strip, reminiscent of the intensity seen during the peak of its seven-month war on the besieged Palestinian enclave. Heavy air strikes have been reported since Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 120 Palestinians and injuring dozens more, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The raids have targeted areas such as Jabalia in northern Gaza, Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City, and eastern Rafah. The ground advances have been met with fierce resistance from Hamas and other Palestinian groups. Five Israeli soldiers have been reported killed during the weekend fighting, with another 68 wounded, including a high-ranking officer.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in Jabalia and Zeitoun due to the heavy shelling. In Rafah, nearly 360,000 people have fled since last week. The situation has been described as dire, with reports of entire homes being flattened and people struggling to find basic necessities.

The Palestinian civil defense has stated that the bombardment is reminiscent of the “war’s first days,” with attacks similar in intensity but having a much worse impact due to depleted medical services and emergency efforts. Ambulance workers have reported being fired upon by Israeli drones, hindering their ability to carry out their work.

The closure of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings by the Israeli military has raised concerns among aid workers about the potential catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s population, who are facing food insecurity and a collapsing health system. The lack of humanitarian access could lead to a collapse of aid operations within days.

Some of the heaviest air strikes have targeted the Jabalia refugee camp, the largest of eight refugee camps in Gaza. The camp, established in 1948 following the Nakba, houses over 116,000 people officially registered with Unrwa. The camp has been under relentless attacks, with Hamas engaging Israeli troops in heavy clashes and firing rockets at Israeli cities.

Despite efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, talks have hit a standstill, with Israeli officials dismissing proposals from Hamas. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with civilians caught in the crossfire and facing dire humanitarian conditions.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community is urged to intervene and provide much-needed assistance to the people of Gaza. The need for a lasting ceasefire and a sustainable solution to the conflict is more urgent than ever.