Israeli army intensifies bombardment in northern Gaza, forcing residents to flee

The Israeli army has continued its intense bombardment and ground operations in northern Gaza—particularly in the town of Beit Hanoun—forcing residents to flee. Locals describe the destruction of what remained habitable in the area and accuse Israel of carrying out a campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide against Palestinians.

Why it matters

With supplies of food, water, and medical care already scarce, Israel’s intensified attacks and tightened siege have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

Many residents who remain in Beit Hanoun report dire living conditions. Observers warn that Israel aims to establish a “buffer zone” by permanently displacing the population of Gaza’s northern regions.

Details

• Ongoing bombardment: Witnesses say Israeli artillery and airstrikes in the past two days have been the most severe since the assault began, resulting in entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.
• Forced displacement: Families, including injured and elderly members, are fleeing on foot to other areas of Gaza, while many others remain amid fears of an imminent ground invasion.
• Blockade and shortages: Residents report that Beit Hanoun does not have a functional hospital and that extreme shortages of food and water have made survival nearly impossible.
• Israeli rationale: The Israeli army claims it has intelligence on “terrorist infrastructures” and staging areas in Beit Hanoun, using this to justify ground operations and aerial attacks.
• ‘Generals’ plan’ link: Analysts connect these operations to a broader Israeli strategy that aims to drive Palestinians out of northern Gaza and establish control or settlements in evacuated areas.

Zoom in

Beit Hanoun locals describe conditions as a “living nightmare,” with extreme shortages of basic necessities and constant shelling. Families who refuse to leave say they worry the Israeli military views their presence as an act of defiance, potentially escalating the severity of attacks.

Zoom out

Israel’s larger objective may be to carve out a permanently cleared zone in northern Gaza, reflecting calls by some Israeli political figures to occupy and repopulate parts of the strip. Meanwhile, broader conflict dynamics—including international pushback and humanitarian appeals—remain overshadowed by the intensifying ground operations and mounting civilian casualties.