Israeli airstrike on Gaza refugee camp intensifies global condemnation
Israel launches second airstrike in two days on Gaza refugee camp, sparking international outcry and accusations of war crimes as diplomatic measures are taken and condemnation of the offensive grows
Israel launched a second bombing on Wednesday in the highly populated Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza, raising concerns about potential war crimes. As a result, more countries escalated diplomatic actions and expressed condemnation for Israel's aggressive actions in the besieged area. Shortly after, one of the scarce hospitals catering to the northern region of the coastal enclave reported a major generator failure, intensifying anxieties regarding the well-being of patients in critical condition.
As the first sanctioned exodus from the besieged enclave in weeks commenced, injured Palestinians and hundreds of foreign nationals crossed into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing from Gaza. It is anticipated that more civilians will make the crossing on Thursday.
The extensive second strike on Jabalya caused additional catastrophic damage, resulting in the destruction of several buildings in the Falluja neighborhood of the camp. Video footage from the site depicts a deep crater and individuals sifting through the debris in search of bodies.
The strike in Hamas-controlled Gaza was denounced by the Civil Defense as a "second massacre." It resulted in the death of at least 80 individuals and left hundreds more injured, as confirmed by Dr. Atef Al Kahlout, director of Gazas Indonesian hospital. He informed CNN that additional bodies were still being recovered from the debris, with the majority of victims being women and children.
On the other hand, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that their attack on Wednesday was aimed at a Hamas command and control center, and they successfully "neutralized" Hamas terrorists with the assistance of accurate intelligence.
The IDF stated that Hamas intentionally places its terror infrastructure in civilian buildings, putting the lives of Gazan civilians at risk. The airstrike took place a day after Israeli jets targeted the camp near Falluja, resulting in the deaths or injuries of hundreds of individuals, as reported by medics. This incident has sparked renewed criticism over the escalating number of civilian casualties in Gaza.
Survivors and eyewitnesses spoke of apocalyptic scenes in the aftermath of Tuesdays strike, with one eyewitness saying "It felt like the end of the world."
A man sits on debris as Palestinians conduct a search and rescue operation after the second bombardment to the Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza City, on November 1.
Ali Jadallah/Anadolu/Getty Images
"Amidst a haze of grey dust, children frantically carried injured children and fled, desperately trying to find safety. Among the rubble, lifeless bodies dangled, their identities virtually unrecognizable. Some victims bled profusely, while others endured severe burns," recounted Mohammad Al Aswad during a phone interview with CNN.
In response to the incident, the IDF claimed that the initial strike had eliminated numerous Hamas members, including Ibrahim Biari, whom they deemed accountable for the devastating October 7 assault on Israel, resulting in over 1,400 fatalities and countless individuals held captive. However, Hamas vehemently refuted the presence of any of its leaders within the refugee camp.
The United Nations Human Rights Office expressed on social media that the attacks on Jabalya, the largest refugee camp in Gaza, may be considered war crimes due to the significant number of civilian casualties and extensive destruction.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, Israel's prolonged bombardment of Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 8,700 individuals. These figures were obtained from sources within the Hamas-controlled enclave. CNN's analysis reveals an average daily death toll of over 300 individuals. The ministry stated on Monday that more than 70% of those killed were women, children, and the elderly.
The strikes carried out by Israel as part of its intensified offensive in Gaza have caused widespread devastation. This has been seen as a turning point in the war for several countries, prompting them to take diplomatic measures to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza and address the resulting humanitarian crisis. Joining the ranks of Chile and Colombia, Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel, while Bolivia severed its diplomatic relations, citing the "crimes against humanity" perpetrated against the Palestinian people.
New strikes, a hospital goes dark
Despite a non-binding UN General Assembly resolution supported by over 100 countries, urging for a "sustained humanitarian truce," the strikes persist amidst mounting pleas from the UN and aid organizations for a ceasefire.
In the early hours of Thursday, a live camera feed from AFP captured a series of fresh explosions engulfing Gaza City, the largest urban center in the enclave.
According to IDF commander Brigadier General Itzik Cohen, the Israeli military has reached the outskirts of Gaza City. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the IDF, declared that Israeli forces have successfully penetrated Hamas' defensive frontline in northern Gaza and are now extending their offensive into the strip.
The IDF announced on Thursday the death of another soldier who was killed in Gaza the day before. The total number of Israeli soldiers who have lost their lives since the beginning of the ground incursion now stands at 17, with 16 of them killed inside Gaza.
The head of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency described the situation as "unprecedented" following a short visit to Gaza on Wednesday. The tragedy has had a profound impact on the more than 2 million people living in the war-torn enclave, half of whom are children.
"Amidst the desperate circumstances, children were deprived of their right to education while pleading for basic necessities like water and food. The scene was deeply distressing. Above all, there was a fervent call for a ceasefire, a collective plea for this tragic situation to finally come to an end," remarked Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, almost half of Gaza's hospitals have been rendered inoperative due to continuous bombardments and fuel shortages, including the region's primary cancer hospital. Al Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, is now on the verge of ceasing operations, with less than a day's worth of resources remaining."
Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, the primary generator of the Gaza Indonesian Hospital unexpectedly ceased functioning, as mentioned by Dr. Atef Al Kahlout, the hospital's director, during an interview with CNN on Thursday. This hospital plays a pivotal role in delivering healthcare services in the northern region of Gaza. The disruption has had a far-reaching impact, affecting the ventilation systems in the operating rooms, the hospital's sole oxygen station, and the refrigeration units in the morgue, according to Al Kahlout.
Palestinians cross to the Egyptian side of the border crossing with the Gaza Strip in Rafah on November 1, 2023.
Hatem Ali/AP
On Wednesday, injured Palestinians and hundreds of foreign nationals began crossing from Gaza into Egypt via the Rafah border crossing. Among them were over 360 foreign passport holders, including many who hold dual Palestinian nationality. Dozens of these individuals are heading to Cairo, where some will board flights back to their respective home countries, according to an Egyptian government official who spoke to CNN.
Ramona Okumura, a 71-year-old Seattle resident and American medical volunteer, who was serving child amputees in Gaza, arrived in Egypt on Wednesday. According to her niece Leah Okumura, Ramona is currently taking rest at a hotel.
An Egyptian government official informed CNN that a total of 45 injured Palestinians are receiving medical treatment in three hospitals in Egypt. These individuals are part of a larger group of 81 severely injured people who are anticipated to enter Egypt for treatment.
On Wednesday, 55 humanitarian aid trucks from the Egyptian Red Crescent entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing. These trucks carried essential supplies such as food, water, medicines, and medical supplies. Although a total of 272 aid trucks have reached Gaza so far, it is evident that this assistance is only a small fraction of what is required. Notably, no fuel has been granted entry into Gaza. Please note that this story is currently unfolding and will be continually updated.
Reporting on the content was contributed by Kareem El Damanhoury, Kareem Khadder, Richard Roth, Amy Cassidy, Mick Krever, Hamdi Alkhshali, Caroline Faraj, Asmaa Khalil, David Wilkinson, Radina Gigova, Tamar Michaelis, Amir Tal, and Kevin Flower from CNN.
