Jabalia Faces Catastrophe as Israeli Assault Escalates and Humanitarian Aid is Blocked
Jabalia, The Gulf Observer: As Israel intensifies its siege and bombardment of Jabalia with U.S.-supplied munitions, the situation for nearly half a million Palestinians in the northern Gaza city has become increasingly dire. Reports indicate that humanitarian aid has not reached the area in 12 days, exacerbating the already severe conditions faced by residents.
On social media platform X, journalist Hossam Shabat provided a chilling update early Sunday, stating, “Enemy tanks are less than 700 metres away from us. The artillery is shelling us and the quad-copters are controlling the movement of people and firing at us.” He expressed the profound despair felt by many, declaring, “We are literally living our final moments, O Allah, grant us a good end.”
Palestine’s envoy to France, Hala Abou-Hassira, highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Jabalia, characterizing it as genocide. In her post, she stated, “Israel has just isolated Jabalia… Entire families are erased from the civil registry. The bodies of martyrs are everywhere in the streets. Civil defence is forbidden to provide assistance.” Accompanying her statement were videos documenting the testimonies of besieged residents and the presence of Israeli tanks in devastated neighborhoods.
Abou-Hassira further emphasized the dire conditions, stating, “Warplanes and drones are shooting at everyone to force the population to evacuate. Water, food, fuel and medicine are forbidden. Journalists on the ground are assassinated. Total blackout. In one word: genocide. In two words: documented genocide. In three words: documented genocide approved.”
Palestinian journalist Younis Tirawi echoed these sentiments, describing a scene of horror: “Dozens of bodies scattered across the streets. It smells of death all over. Residents refuse to be displaced. Food is nearly depleted, and no medical services are available.”
In an urgent message, Palestinian lawmaker Mustafa Barghouti condemned the actions of the Israeli army, stating, “The Israeli army is committing terrible massacres in Jabalia refugee camp and many areas in North Gaza, burning houses, and using tanks and artillery bombardment.” He reported that the northern part of Gaza has been completely isolated from Gaza City, subjecting residents to starvation and deprivation of essential services.
Mariam Barghouti, a Palestinian journalist and policy analyst, likened the ongoing violence to a “horror movie,” noting the overwhelming military presence, including quad-copters and war jets, and the relentless bombing campaign. She lamented the destruction of infrastructure and the potential erasure of Jabalia’s population, warning that the Israeli military’s current operations threaten the displacement of over 400,000 Palestinians.
The Israeli strategy, described by Palestinians as an “extermination plan,” was reportedly introduced by former army general Giora Eiland. This plan, aimed at forcing the evacuation of northern Gaza, was accompanied by statements suggesting a policy of starvation against those who do not flee.
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) reported on Friday that no food has been allowed to enter northern Gaza since October 1, putting over one million people at risk of hunger. In stark contrast, around 700 aid trucks were permitted into the region in August, with only 400 in September, none in October. The WFP emphasized the persistent threat of famine as hunger becomes rampant in the besieged area.
Palestinian officials have raised alarms about the intensified violence and killings, warning that Israeli forces are deliberately transforming northern Gaza into a “region of destruction and death,” as part of a broader plan to displace the Palestinian population.
