Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza, launching new airstrikes and deploying additional troops, amid a climate of despair among residents who had briefly hoped that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar might signal an end to the ongoing conflict. Sinwar, aged 62, was killed on Thursday when tank fire struck a building in Rafah after he engaged with an Israeli patrol.
The toll of violence continues to rise. In a recent airstrike on Jabalia, Gaza’s largest historical refugee camp, at least 30 individuals, including 20 women and children, lost their lives, while over 50 others were reported injured, according to WAFA, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency. Palestinian health authorities indicate that at least 62 people were killed in various airstrikes on Thursday and Friday.
Conditions in Jabalia have worsened as tens of thousands of civilians are believed to be trapped amidst the fighting. Israeli military officials have announced that reinforcements are being sent to strengthen operations in the area, raising concerns of escalating violence.
Many Gaza residents had hoped that Sinwar's death would bring relief. Jemaa Abou Mendi, a 21-year-old, expressed disappointment, saying, “We always thought that when Sinwar was killed, the war would end and our lives would return to normal. Unfortunately, the reality on the ground is quite the opposite.”
Mustafa al-Zaeem, a 47-year-old from Gaza City, suggested that Israel should cease hostilities now that one of its primary objectives had been achieved. “If Sinwar’s assassination was one of the objectives of this war, well, today they have killed Yahya Sinwar. Enough death, enough hunger, enough siege,” he stated.
Despite the violence, some Gazans find a sense of resilience in Sinwar's final moments, as depicted in images released by the Israeli military, showing him fighting back even when wounded. Adel Rajab, a 60-year-old, reflected on Sinwar’s courage, calling his death heroic.
The conflict has raised serious humanitarian concerns. Reports indicate that more than 42,500 people have been killed since the onset of the Israeli offensive, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Haniyeh Ashour, a resident, described the ongoing trauma: “We have seen death many times. My children and I do not know what it is like to sleep.”
As the situation deteriorates, the Israeli military stated it had sent around 30 truckloads of humanitarian aid into northern Gaza, although many residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these efforts. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, emphasized the dire conditions facing the population, noting they continue to suffer from hunger and lack of medical care.
With winter approaching, there are fears that the 345,000 people in Gaza will face “catastrophic” hunger levels. The local population struggles to access clean water and food, and the ongoing conflict leaves them feeling unsafe wherever they go. Ashour articulated the sentiment shared by many, lamenting, “The biggest problem we face is finding safety. There is no safety at all, wherever we go.”
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