Israeli Tanks Push into Jabalia in Northern Gaza, Facing Resistance from Militants
Israel’s tanks pushed into the heart of Jabalia in northern Gaza on Thursday, facing fierce resistance from militants as they advanced. In the south, Israeli forces pounded Rafah without making significant progress, according to Palestinian residents and militants.
The slow progress of Israel’s offensive, which began more than seven months ago in response to a deadly cross-border raid by Hamas, underscores the challenges of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s goal of eradicating the militant group.
Armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been able to fight across the Gaza Strip, using fortified tunnels to stage attacks in both the north and new battlegrounds like Rafah.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that they are wearing Hamas down and announced the deployment of more troops in Rafah, where several tunnels have been destroyed. In response, a senior Hamas official vowed to defend their people by all means.
Israel claims that four Hamas battalions are now in Rafah, along with hostages abducted during the October 7 assault. However, international pressure is mounting for Israel not to invade the city, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinian civilians are seeking shelter.
The death toll in Gaza has risen to 35,272, with widespread malnutrition due to blocked international aid efforts and Israel’s restrictions on border crossings.
Ceasefire and hostage release talks are at a standstill, with Hamas insisting on maintaining a role in governing Gaza while the Palestinian Authority lacks the funds to take over.
Despite declaring major operations over in northern Gaza months ago, Israel has returned to prevent Hamas from regrouping. Tanks continue to bombard Jabalia, while in Rafah, Israeli forces are targeting militants and infrastructure used by Hamas.
The United States has anchored a temporary floating pier in Gaza to boost aid deliveries, but challenges remain in distributing aid effectively. The United Nations emphasizes the need for land access to deliver aid quickly and efficiently.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the humanitarian situation deteriorates, with calls for sustained access for aid and efforts to end the violence and destruction plaguing the region.
