Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza turned into ‘ghost town’ amid Israeli attacks

Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza has been severely damaged by Israeli airstrikes, with 70% of its buildings destroyed, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

The destruction is described as unprecedented in scale, leaving the camp almost uninhabitable.

Why it matters

The devastation of Jabalia underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where large-scale military operations continue to devastate civilian infrastructure. The widespread displacement of Palestinians and loss of life are critical issues in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Details

• Destruction of camp: Haaretz reports that nearly all buildings in Jabalia have either been destroyed or severely damaged, with only a few structures still standing. The camp is now described as a “ghost town.”
• Eyewitness account: Amos Harel, a military affairs analyst for Haaretz, who briefly visited the camp, described the scene as “miles and miles of destroyed homes,” with the few remaining buildings showing significant damage.
• Displacement, casualties: According to the Israeli army, about 96,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Jabalia due to the military operation. Over 2,000 Palestinians have been killed, and roughly 1,500 arrested in the camp during this period.
• Conditions on ground: The camp’s devastation has left the remaining population in dire conditions. Stray dogs are reported to be roaming the streets, scavenging for food, while few people are seen in the area.

Zoom in

• Impact on civilian life: The displacement of nearly 100,000 people from Jabalia reflects the severe human toll of the ongoing conflict, leaving families without shelter or basic necessities. The destruction of homes and infrastructure in such a densely populated area raises major concerns about Gaza’s future.
• Israeli military operations: This destruction follows Israeli military actions in Jabalia in December 2023 and May 2024. However, the latest offensive has caused far more extensive damage, leaving the camp nearly uninhabitable.

Zoom out:

• Wider context of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis: The destruction of Jabalia is just one example of the broader humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed, and much of the region lies in ruins. The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and better access to humanitarian aid.
• International reactions, debate: As Israel continues its military operations, the scale of destruction in places like Jabalia has sparked debates about the proportionality of Israel’s actions and the protection of civilians under international law.