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Jabalia Camp: A Crisis Beyond Measure
If the 2001 siege of Jenin camp marked a dark chapter of massacre in Palestinian history, what we are witnessing now in Jabalia camp is at least 100 times worse. In Jenin, 60 Palestinians lost their lives over an 11-day siege. Today, nearly 400 known casualties have occurred in just ten days, with many more still under rubble or in the streets, where, tragically, even animals are disturbing the remains. No one can recover their bodies for a proper burial. May ALLAH protect them.
Jabalia camp has endured a complete blockade, following a year without relief supplies. The people of Jabalia firmly believe they have thwarted Israel’s major goal in this war—forced displacement. Their decision was validated when the so-called “safe areas” Israel directed them to were bombed, proving there are no true safe havens. Holding on to their dignity, they now declare, “We would rather die here than be displaced. We would rather die here than be forced out”.
The 162nd Division now surrounds a camp of just 1 square kilometer, the same division that invaded over 9,000 square kilometers in Suez during the 1973 war. Imagine such a powerful and brutal force besieging this tiny area filled with innocent civilians. Instead of using manned vehicles, they send explosive-rigged vehicles into the streets and alleys, creating blasts even louder than artillery, designed to destroy homes and bury people beneath the rubble.
Life Under Siege
Since the war began, the people of Gaza have not had meat, chicken, vegetables, or fruit. They haven’t had access to clean water, relying on a rainwater collection pond, “Abu Rashid’s Pond”, where sewage contaminates what little water there is.
In Jabalia camp, there were four hospitals and many health centers. Israel destroyed the Yemen Al-Saeed Hospital with displaced people still inside, along with most health centers, including the only kidney dialysis center in northern Gaza, Noura Al-Kaabi. Now, Israel is besieging and destroying the Indonesian Hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital, and Al-Awda Hospital. This appears to be an act of vengeance, targeting the camp and its people in a punitive manner, far beyond any security or military justification.
Israel knows it has twice attempted to invade this camp without success. This time, they are urging residents to leave, but the people refuse. Israel remains determined, aware that global attention is focused on Lebanon and the U.S. elections. They have unleashed their tanks, spreading destruction and sending a message: “We’ll use you to teach all of Gaza a lesson. We’ll wipe you out completely”. That’s the message Israel is conveying.
A People Refusing Displacement
Even when forcing people to leave, Israel makes them walk under gunfire, telling them, “You must pass through humiliating checkpoints in the ‘Civil Administration’ area on Salah al-Din Road, under fire”. They kill and capture at will, which is why many refuse to leave. Those few who left Jabalia camp for the south now deeply regret it, having faced humiliation. They were moved from Deir al-Balah to Al-Mawasi, then Rafah, and back again. The average family in Gaza has been displaced at least ten times, now left without food, shoes, or clothing to protect them from the winter cold.
At least 1,000 homes in Jabalia camp have now been completely destroyed, adding to the devastation in the camp, which is over 80% destroyed. With winter approaching, a severe housing crisis looms, along with the threat of diseases. The second round of polio vaccinations is just days away. Will Israel allow UNICEF, the UN, and WHO to provide treatment and care for these people? Sadly, it seems unlikely.
We’re talking about half a million people in this area, despite Israel’s claims that only a few remain. Yet, something remarkable is happening: even with a full military division, Israeli tanks and bulldozers struggle to break through the camp. Every night, Israel destroys dozens of buildings, the sound of destruction echoing through Gaza, just to advance 100 meters, fearing resistance strikes.
The people of Jabalia camp remain steadfast, showing incredible resilience against overwhelming odds. Their determination is a powerful testament to the human spirit and their deep connection to their homeland.
Sources:
- Saeed Ziad. سعيد زياد: إسرائيل تريد تدمير مخيم جباليا على من فيه ثأرا وانتقاما. YouTube Video.
