Israeli siege of northern Gaza leaves 5,000 dead

(CLO) After 100 days of fierce fighting, the Israeli army continued to intensify its attacks and blockade of the Gaza Strip, leaving about 5,000 Palestinians dead or missing, according to information from the Gaza Government Media Office on January 12.

In addition, some 9,500 others have been injured since the Israeli siege began in early October last year. Gaza is currently engulfed in a severe humanitarian crisis as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have yet to yield results.

Displaced Palestinian children walk on a beach in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on December 27, 2024. (Photo courtesy of AP, not for re-release)

Al Jazeera described the northern Gaza area as a “ghost town” with scenes of devastation and destruction. However, some residents still tried to stay and refused to leave.

Kamal Adwan Hospital, the largest medical facility in northern Gaza, was burned down by Israeli forces in late December. The fate of hospital director Hussam Abu Safia, who was arrested, remains unknown.

Israel has also made no secret of its intention to build new settlements in northern Gaza, with far-right politicians and settler groups openly discussing the plan.

Amid escalating tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed the heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies to travel to Qatar to speed up negotiations on the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire as Israel restricts humanitarian aid and convoys are looted. Thousands of families are living in makeshift tents or without shelter in the bitterly cold winter.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), nearly all of Gaza's 1.1 million children are in need of psychological support due to the effects of war, loss of loved ones and poor living conditions.

According to the Gaza Civil Defense, at least 70 children have been killed in just the past five days due to relentless Israeli attacks.

The United Nations estimates that at least 19,000 Palestinian children have been orphaned since the outbreak of the war.

According to the Gaza Health Authority, Israel has so far killed at least 46,565 Palestinians and injured 109,660, with 28 people killed on January 12 alone.

The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate with dire humanitarian consequences, while diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire have yet to yield concrete results.

Cao Phong (according to Aljazeera, NBC, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cuoc-bao-vay-cua-israel-o-phia-bac-gaza-khien-5000-nguoi-chet-va-mat-tich-sau-100-ngay-post330125.html