Israel steps up pressure on northern Gaza, 16 killed across the territory

23/10/2024 17:34

        Israeli strikes across Gaza killed 16 people on Wednesday as Israeli forces stepped up pressure on northern areas of the Palestinian enclave, besieged hospital and refugee shelters, and ordered residents to head south, medics and residents said.
        
        The Gaza health ministry and the World Health Organization said they would be unable to start a polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza as planned because of the intense bombardments, mass displacements and lack of access in northern Gaza.
        
        Israeli forces began the operation in the north about three weeks ago with the declared aim of preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping, but the operation intensified after the killing of Hamas chief Yehya Al-Sinwar last Wednesday.
        
        The Israeli military announced last Friday it had sent another army unit to Jabalia and began besieging refugee shelters, forcing displaced people to leave while rounding up many of the men. The health ministry said at least 650 people had been killed since the new offensive began.