On New Year’s Day, Israeli attacks killed at least 26 Palestinians in Gaza, including four children and a woman, as heavy rains flooded makeshift shelters across the Strip. The attacks targeted areas in Jabalia, Gaza City, the Bureij refugee camp, and Khan Younis. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 10 Palestinians remain missing, believed to be trapped under rubble.
A midnight bombing in Jabalia killed 15 people and injured over 20 others. “It was a massacre with body parts of children and women scattered everywhere,” said Jibri Abu Warda, a relative of the victims. The house, sheltering displaced families, was reduced to rubble. Another airstrike in Bureij killed a woman and a child, while a strike in Gaza City’s Shujaiya neighborhood claimed six lives, including two children.
The ongoing bombardment has left Gaza’s civil defense services overwhelmed. “The suspension of our services has completely affected the lives of citizens exposed to Israeli bombardment,” said a civil defense member. First responders are struggling to rescue survivors amidst continuous airstrikes.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The war has killed 45,553 Palestinians and wounded 108,379 since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. As displaced Palestinians grapple with harsh winter conditions, flooding has further worsened their living situation. Hundreds of makeshift shelters have been inundated, leaving families vulnerable to freezing temperatures. At least six infants have died from the cold in recent days.
“For three days, we haven’t slept out of fear that our children would fall sick because of the winter, as well as fear of missiles falling on us,” said Samah Darabieh, a displaced resident.
Israel’s attacks have also targeted medical facilities, compounding the crisis. Last week, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital, evacuating staff and patients before arresting its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safia. The hospital, like many others, is under siege and has suffered extensive damage. The United Nations warned that Gaza’s healthcare system is nearing collapse, labeling Israel’s actions as violations of international law.
International Condemnation
The international community continues to condemn Israel’s actions. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Meanwhile, humanitarian aid remains restricted, exacerbating the suffering of displaced Palestinians. “The New Year arrives in Gaza, not with joy or hope, but with the boom of fighter jets, drones, and eardrum-shattering explosions,” reported Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum.
As Gaza endures relentless attacks, calls for international intervention grow louder. Yet, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with no end in sight for the people of the besieged enclave.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
