Zionist offensive in the northern region aimed at displacing Palestinians: Hamas

Osama Hamdan, a senior representative of the Gaza-based organization in Lebanon, claimed on Monday that the ongoing Israeli military operations are intended to force the relocation of northern Gaza’s residents to the southern regions. He further asserted that the Israeli forces are employing substantial firepower in Gaza to project an image of victory and accomplishment.

He characterized the proposal put forth to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Knesset by a cohort of retired generals as a strategy designed to manipulate the sentiments of settlers residing in the occupied territories. This critique comes amid accusations that the administration has not succeeded in meeting its objectives in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

According to reports, the proposed strategy involves granting Palestinians a one-week period to evacuate the northern third of the Gaza Strip, encompassing Gaza City. After this period, the area would be designated as a closed military zone. Individuals who choose to stay behind would be classified as combatants and potentially face denial of essential resources such as food, water, medical supplies, and fuel.

A senior Hamas official informed Al Jazeera that substantial efforts are required to bolster the resilience of the Palestinian population in Gaza. He emphasized that resistance operations are set to persist and intensify as a means of safeguarding their people, irrespective of the prevailing circumstances.

He characterized the ongoing situation in Gaza as a genocidal process within the blockaded coastal region, urging the international community to take immediate action to halt what he termed Israeli aggression.

Hamdan warned that Israeli military actions could expand unless they are halted.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed strong condemnation over the significant civilian casualties resulting from the escalating Israeli military operations in northern Gaza.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made a forceful appeal to all factions involved in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, informed reporters that Guterres underscores the necessity for the protection and respect of civilians at all times.

Medical sources at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip have reported a critical shortage of medical supplies and essential resources. The hospital is in dire need of fuel, crucial for continuing surgical procedures, as they grapple with a high influx of civilian casualties.

According to sources, a significant number of patients and injured individuals are reportedly dying from their wounds due to a severe shortage of necessary medication. This shortage is attributed to the ongoing strict limitations imposed by the Israeli military on the delivery of crucial medical supplies to the northern region of the Gaza Strip.

The majority of neighborhoods in the region have been subject to relentless assaults and are now in a state of devastation.