Israeli Military Encircles Northern Gaza, Hundreds Killed in Strikes
Israeli forces expanded their ground operations into northern Gaza, reaching the northern edge of Gaza City and bombarding parts of the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, according to local residents. Tanks and artillery fire forced many families to flee as Israeli troops isolated the towns of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Beit Lahiya from Gaza City.
Residents reported that access between these towns and Gaza City was being blocked by Israeli forces, with passage only allowed for those willing to comply with evacuation orders. The Hamas-run Gaza government’s media office said Israeli strikes have killed approximately 300 Palestinians in northern Gaza during the nine-day offensive, accusing Israel of targeting civilians in an attempt to force them out of the enclave—an allegation Israel denies.
The health ministry in Gaza confirmed dozens of deaths from Israeli strikes, with many more feared trapped under rubble beyond the reach of medical teams. Despite the bombardment, some residents of Jabalia have taken to social media, posting messages such as, “We will not leave, we die, and we don’t leave.”
The escalation in northern Gaza coincides with Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israeli military officials stated that in the past 24 hours, around 40 targets were attacked, and dozens of people were killed in the Jabalia region. Explosives and other weapons were reportedly uncovered during the operations.
