Israeli military enforces total blockade on northern Gaza, says civil defense official

By Husnu Nedim

ISTANBUL (AA) — Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip, reported that the Israeli army has instituted a “complete siege” on the northern Gaza Strip, effectively cutting it off from Gaza City and neighboring areas.

Basal informed Anadolu that the Israeli blockade stretches from the al-Tawam area in the west to Salah al-Din Street in the east. He noted that armed drones and ground vehicles from the Israeli military are targeting anything that moves within these zones.

The Israeli army has reportedly damaged or destroyed most of the roads leading south from northern Gaza, rendering them “almost impossible” for passage. Since launching its ground offensive on Oct. 6, northern Gaza has endured over 100 aggressive strikes, with 50 occurring on the first day of the operation. According to Basal, more than 120 Palestinians have been killed in these assaults, and the death toll is expected to rise as many bodies remain uncollected on the roads due to ongoing hostilities.

- Humanitarian crisis deepens

The spokesperson cautioned that Israeli demands for hospitals to evacuate could result in the collapse of the healthcare system and exacerbate the suffering of residents. He highlighted that Israel is obstructing the entry of essential supplies into northern Gaza, warning that the population is running dangerously low on food and water. Basal characterized the humanitarian situation in the region as “catastrophic,” with a pervasive risk of death due to the lack of basic necessities.

- Challenges for civil defense teams

Basal explained that civil defense teams are encountering significant difficulties due to shortages of fuel, equipment, and machinery, which could completely halt their already limited services. Nevertheless, he affirmed that the teams would persist in their efforts until the very end. He said the pressure on civil defense teams engaged in search and rescue and firefighting efforts has intensified due to the Israeli military’s actions.

Without immediate assistance in the form of essential supplies, there is a grave risk that civil defense services in northern Gaza could cease entirely. Basal called for an end to the genocide in Gaza, urging support for medical and civil defense teams and emphasizing the critical need for humanitarian aid to alleviate the dire conditions faced by residents.

- Attacks escalate

For five consecutive days, the Israeli army has continued ground operations targeting the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, attempting to force residents to flee. On Oct. 7, Israeli Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned residents of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Beit Lahia through social media, with a map showing evacuation areas.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of Kamala Adwan, Indonesian, and Al-Awda hospitals in northern Gaza, threatening severe repercussions if these facilities are not vacated, similar to its actions at Shifa Hospital.

Since Oct. 7, more than 42,100 Palestinians, including 17,000 children and 11,378 women, have reportedly died, with 97,720 others injured in Israel's bombardments of the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate that thousands may still be trapped beneath the rubble, while civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has been targeted and destroyed as people sought shelter.

*Writing by Efe Ozkan