Operation Al-Aqsa Flood “Taufan” Daily Report (5)

Israeli Airstrikes Persist for the Fifth Day, Escalating the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

For five consecutive days, Israeli airstrikes continue to strike factories, shops, residential buildings, and even a university. This relentless assault has tragically led to the loss of over 1,100 Palestinian lives, with more than 5,300 individuals sustaining injuries, as reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health. Amid this dire situation, healthcare facilities in the region are now perilously close to collapse.

Additionally, the situation deteriorates as Gaza’s sole power plant is forced to shut down, casting the Strip into complete darkness. Furthermore, access to the internet and cell service remains severely limited, following Israel’s strike on the central company providing internet connectivity to Gaza City.

Israel’s plan is to cut off the Gaza Strip from internet and electricity so that the world can’t see the destruction it is causing in Gaza. Israeli occupation forces committed Horrific massacres in Rafah, Karamah, and western and eastern Shuja’iyyah. They also used white phosphorus bombs in western Gaza, which is prohibited internationally.

Further, the severe shortage of essential resources, such as water and food, in the region has led to a dire situation for the people. The scarcity of these basic necessities has left homes and supermarkets empty, leaving the local population struggling to obtain water for their daily needs.

To seek refuge from Israeli barbaric airstrikes, many have turned to using schools, which were once considered relatively secure. However, a troubling consequence has emerged as these shelters are now being targeted during the recent Israeli attacks. This has significantly increased the danger faced by the civilians in the region. Meanwhile, these shelters lack essential provisions such as food, water, and milk for the children in their care.

The al-Karamah neighbourhood in Gaza City has witnessed relentless airstrikes late Tuesday night and into Wednesday, resulting in the near-total destruction of numerous buildings. Tragically, entire families have fallen victim to these bombings, and many are believed to be trapped beneath the debris, with a significant number being women and children.

Attempts by medical personnel to reach al-Karamah were delayed due to the ongoing attacks, and when they eventually arrived, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that they had been “attacked by Israel,” resulting in injuries to two medics. This has raised concerns that medics are being intentionally targeted by Israeli forces, as indicated by a spokesperson from the health ministry.

Gaza City has undergone a devastating transformation with widespread destruction. Streets, tall buildings, universities, and telecommunications have all been targeted and severely damaged. The deliberate targeting of roads, including those leading to the central hospital, al-Shifa’, has created obstacles for ambulances, as missiles have left massive craters, hindering their mobility. Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has announced the purchase of 10,000 rifles to arm civilian security teams, which includes residents of illegal West Bank settlements. This move involves the distribution of assault rifles, helmets, and bulletproof vests among Israeli settlers, raising concerns of exacerbating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Simultaneously, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem continue to protest against Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza and its prolonged occupation.

Since Saturday, Israeli forces have killed at least 19 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with 12 more injured by Israeli gunfire in confrontations on Tuesday alone. In a disturbing incident north of Jenin at the al-Jamaleh checkpoint, Israeli soldiers reportedly killed a Palestinian man and left three others injured without providing medical assistance.

At Huwwara checkpoint, south of Nablus, Israeli forces opened fire on a Palestinian taxi, injuring three men. Another grim incident took place in Silwan, where Israeli police shot and killed two Palestinians who had set off fireworks and thrown stones. Additionally, in Jericho, at least three individuals sustained injuries due to live fire from the Israeli occupation forces.

International forces intervene

In a national address, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated his unwavering support for Israel without mentioning the current situation in Gaza. He emphasized the United States’ commitment to Israel’s defence, including the annual $3 billion in military aid. He also mentioned that the U.S. has deployed military assets closer to Israel and provided lethal weaponry.

Israel’s occupation forces received its initial shipment of U.S. ammunition, and the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean, as reported by U.S. Central Command.

Turkey strongly criticized these actions, questioning the purpose of the U.S. aircraft carrier in Israel and expressing concerns about potential consequences, including severe casualties due to actions in Gaza. Erdogan also condemned Israel’s blockade of Gaza as an international human rights violation.

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement, warned of military responses, including missile and drone attacks, if the U.S. directly intervenes in Gaza.

In response to Biden’s address, Hamas pointed out the absence of acknowledgement of Israeli occupation forces’ deadly actions against Palestinians, describing Israel’s policies as “collective punishment” for the people in the Gaza Strip.

They called on the U.S. administration to reconsider its position and address the perceived double standard in favour of Israel. Hamas argued that these developments were a natural consequence of Israel’s repeated violations of Palestinian rights and criticized the international community’s silence and inability to fulfill obligations outlined in recognized resolutions.