USA (Washington Insider Magazine) — On Friday, Israeli forces engaged in some of the fiercest battles with Hamas fighters since their return to Jabalia in northern Gaza a week ago. Concurrently, militants attacked tanks amassed around Rafah in the south. According to residents, Israeli armor had advanced to the market in the heart of Jabalia, Gaza’s largest historic refugee camp, and bulldozers were demolishing homes and shops in their path.
Southern Escalation and Civilian Impact
Thick smoke was seen rising over Rafah, on the border with Egypt, due to intensified Israeli attacks that have forced hundreds of thousands to flee. Jens Laerke, spokesman for the U.N. humanitarian office in Geneva, noted that most civilians were following orders to move north toward the coast, but safe routes were unavailable. The U.N. emphasized the urgency of land access for delivering aid, which has been disrupted by recent attacks.
Humanitarian Aid Arrives by Sea
As fighting escalated, the U.S. military reported that aid trucks began moving supplies ashore from a temporary dock built off the coast, marking the first sea delivery to Gaza in weeks. The United Nations is finalizing plans to distribute this aid but highlighted that overland truck convoys remain the most efficient method.
IDF Operations and Militant Casualties
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported killing over 60 militants in Jabalia and discovering a weapons depot near a shelter complex. The IDF described this as a “divisional-level offensive,” involving multiple brigades of thousands of soldiers. The 7th Brigade directed numerous airstrikes, eliminating terrorists and destroying infrastructure. Israel’s ongoing military operations aim to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attacks.
Civilian Toll and Medical Crisis
The health ministry in Gaza reported at least 35,303 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned of widespread hunger and disease. Medical professionals face severe shortages of anesthetics and painkillers, performing surgeries under dire conditions.
Rescue of Hostage Bodies
Israel announced the recovery of the bodies of three hostages from Gaza, who were killed during the October 7 attacks. Hamas responded, stating that hostages would only be returned through negotiations or in exchange deals.
International Legal Response
According to Reuters, South Africa accused Israel of breaking the Genocide Convention before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Gilad Noam, an Israeli Justice Ministry official, justified the military operation, claiming it was a battle of self-defence and not directed at civilians. Noam stressed the tragic nature of the conflict but denied any genocidal intent.
Ongoing Conflict and Refugee Displacement
Israeli tanks and warplanes continued to bombard parts of Rafah on Friday. The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad launched anti-tank missiles and mortars at Israeli forces. The U.N. aid agency UNRWA reported that more than 630,000 people had fled Rafah since the offensive began on May 6, moving to areas with scarce resources and limited access to water and food.
