Destruction in north Gaza widespread

Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza said Israeli forces had inflicted widespread destruction on their home districts in their latest six-week-old offensive and a rights group raised concerns Israel might put some areas permanently off-limits.

Jabalia, one of the largest of Gaza’s eight historic refugee camps, as well as the towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun and nearby villages, were among the first targets of Israel’s ground offensive in October 2023 after Hamas members attacked Israel.

Tanks have gone in several more times in what Israel says are necessary operations against Hamas fighters there who still pose a threat. Yesterday, it said its troops had killed dozens of “terrorists” and found a large quantity of weapons.

Former construction contractor Abu Raed, who was displaced from Jabalia, said Israeli forces were blowing buildings up remotely after booby-trapping them or sending in robots.

Palestinian health ministry officials said Israel’s latest airstrikes killed at least 15 people across the enclave, including four at Gaza City’s Salahudeen School, which shelters displaced families. At least 43,736 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive on Gaza since Oct 7, 2023.

The Human Rights Watch report was the latest to warn about the dire humanitarian situation. “Forced displacement has been widespread, and the evidence shows it has been systematic and part of a state policy. Such acts also constitute crimes against humanity,” it said.

It said the displacement “is likely planned to be permanent in the buffer zones and security corridors”.

LondonGBDESK//