GAZA CITY — The UN peace envoy for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, has condemned the ongoing attacks on civilians following a series of Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahiya, Gaza, which resulted in dozens of casualties. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the recent strike left 87 people dead or missing under the rubble, marking one of the highest casualty tolls in recent months.
Wennesland emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in the region, stating, “This follows weeks of intensified operations resulting in scores of civilian fatalities and a near-total lack of humanitarian aid reaching populations in the north.” He called for the immediate protection of civilians and urged that hostages be released and the displacement of Palestinians cease.
The Israeli military has ramped up its attacks in northern Gaza since early October, aiming to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping. In response to the strike on Beit Lahiya, the Israeli military announced it is investigating the incident, which it claims targeted Hamas facilities. However, the military also suggested that casualty figures reported by the Hamas media office appeared exaggerated, citing the munitions used in the strike.
Gaza’s health ministry reported that rescue efforts are being hampered by ongoing military operations in the area and communication problems. The ministry stated, “Victims are still under the rubble and on the road, and ambulance teams and civil emergency services cannot reach them.”
The airstrike occurred amid a significant military operation around Jabalia, just south of Beit Lahiya, where Israeli troops have been engaging Hamas fighters. Local residents reported that Israeli forces conducted raids on shelters housing displaced families and detained dozens of men.
Evacuation orders directing civilians south have raised fears among Palestinians that the operation may be intended to clear northern Gaza, potentially facilitating Israeli control of the area post-conflict. While Israel denies such intentions, stating it aims to protect civilians from Hamas, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise.
The recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had sparked hopes for a potential ceasefire, nearly a year after Hamas-led gunmen attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. However, the intensity of the current conflict highlights the ongoing challenges to peace in the region.
According to Palestinian health ministry figures, over 42,600 Palestinians have died during Israel’s ground offensive, with thousands more believed to be trapped under rubble. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated severely, with significant shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies affecting the three remaining hospitals still partially operational.
Officials at Kamal Adwan, Indonesian, and Al-Awda hospitals reported that their facilities are besieged by Israeli forces. At Kamal Adwan Hospital, officials indicated that the facility came under Israeli fire, compounding the already critical situation for medical staff and patients.