Toll Rises to 70 Dead in Gaza’s Jabalia Camp After Israeli Army Withdrawal

At least 70 Palestinians were found dead in northern Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp as Israel completed a nearly three-week offensive and withdrew its armed forces. Local medical sources reported that ambulance and civil defense crews had recovered around 70 bodies, including 20 children, from the camp. Dozens of others were still missing under the debris of homes, shelters, and hospitals due to Israeli air and artillery strikes during the operation.

As the Israeli forces retreated, residents returned to assess the damage caused by the strikes. Many reported heavy destruction to residential units, roads, water supply systems, and sewage infrastructure in the camp. Accusations were made against the Israeli soldiers for setting fire to apartments and residential buildings as a form of collective punishment and revenge.

The 98th Division of the Israeli troops withdrew after completing their mission in eastern Jabalia. Hamas-run media office in Gaza condemned the Israeli army for adopting a scorched earth policy and causing extensive destruction, displacing numerous Palestinians. Additionally, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees received horrific reports of casualties, including children, in their facilities in Jabalia.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for eight months, with devastating consequences for the residents of Gaza. The World Health Organization has called on Israel to lift the blockade on medical supplies into Gaza to aid the seriously ill patients affected by the conflict.