Israeli forces have expanded their operations in northern Gaza, with tanks advancing to the northern outskirts of Gaza City and targeting several areas within the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, according to local residents. This escalation has compelled numerous families to evacuate their homes.

According to residents, Israeli forces have effectively cut off Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Beit Lahiya in the northern region of the enclave from Gaza City, restricting movement between these areas unless families receive permission to leave in response to evacuation orders.

The health ministry in Gaza reported that the ongoing Israeli incursions, now in their eighth day, have resulted in numerous Palestinian fatalities, with many others feared dead on the roads or trapped under the debris of their homes, inaccessible to medical assistance.

Many residents of Jabalia have taken to social media to express their determination, stating, “We will not leave; we will die here rather than abandon our homes.” The northern region of Gaza, which is home to more than half of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents, was devastated during the initial phase of Israel’s military campaign last year, following the October 7 attacks by militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 250 hostages.

Following a year of Israeli military actions that resulted in the deaths of 42,000 Palestinians, many residents have returned to the devastated northern regions. Recently, Israel deployed troops to eliminate fighters it claims are reorganizing for further assaults. Hamas has refuted allegations that its fighters are operating among civilians.

The intensification of conflict in northern Gaza coincides with a significant Israeli airstrike and ground offensive in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, which, like Hamas, is supported by Iran.

“As global attention shifts to Lebanon and the potential for an Israeli strike on Iran, Israel is systematically destroying Jabalia,” stated Nasser, a resident of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. “The occupation is demolishing roads and residential areas. People are struggling to find food and are confined to their homes, living in fear of falling bombs,” he communicated to Reuters through a messaging application.

The Israeli military announced on Sunday that its forces had targeted approximately 40 sites across the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, resulting in the deaths of numerous militants.

According to the statement, “Division 162 continues its operations in the Jabalia area, where dozens of terrorists have been killed and various explosives, weapons, grenades, and other military equipment have been discovered.”

In response, the armed factions of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other smaller groups reported that their fighters engaged Israeli forces in Jabalia and surrounding regions using anti-tank rockets and mortar fire.

Palestinian and United Nations representatives have indicated that there are no safe zones within Gaza. They have raised alarms about critical shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies in northern Gaza, warning of a potential famine.

Residents reported that tank shells struck several streets in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, where tanks have positioned themselves at the outskirts, causing widespread panic among the local population further south.