Israeli forces carried out a significant incursion into the remnants of the northern border of Gaza on Monday in an attempt to recapture an area that was previously claimed to be cleared of Hamas militants months earlier.
Simultaneously, at the opposite end of the territory, tanks and troops advanced across a highway into Rafah.
Given the recent escalation in fighting along both the northern and southern borders of Gaza, a large number of Palestinians have once again been forced to flee their homes. Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the potential for a severe humanitarian crisis.
Israel framed its return to the northern region, from which it had withdrawn the majority of its troops five months prior, as a necessary part of the ongoing warfare to prevent the resurgence of militant activity. These operations were stated to be a planned aspect of their military strategy.
In Jabalia, the largest of Gaza’s eight refugee camps established 75 years ago, tanks moved towards the core of the district. Local residents reported that tank shells were hitting the center of the camp, while airstrikes had demolished several clusters of houses.
