IRIA News

At least 60 bodies of Palestinians were found on streets and in houses after the Israeli army withdrew from some neighborhoods in the Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, the Civil Defense Service in Gaza reported on July 12, 2024.

Israeli forces have pulled back from some parts of northern Gaza after a fierce, week-long offensive that encountered substantial resistance from Hamas.

The offensive, now ten months into Israel’s campaign to eliminate Hamas militants, resulted in numerous casualties and significant destruction in the largest urban area of the Palestinian enclave. Rescue teams have reported dozens of deaths and widespread damage to homes and roads.

The Gaza Civil Emergency Service reported that teams have collected around 60 bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces over the past week from the Tel Al-Hawa area and the edges of the Sabra neighborhood in Gaza City. Despite the partial withdrawal of tanks, Israeli snipers and tanks continue to control some high ground, cautioning residents against returning to their homes.

“There are bodies scattered in the streets, dismembered bodies, there are bodies of entire families, there are also bodies inside a home of an entire family that was completely burned,” stated Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza Strip Civil Defense.

Israel accuses UNRWA

Israel’s military claimed it discovered drones and other weaponry in a Hamas combat complex inside the former UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) headquarters in Gaza City. The military also reported evacuating civilians from the area before attacking.

“The troops engaged in close-quarters combat with terrorist cells that had fortified themselves inside the UNRWA compound,” the military said, adding that they also found a significant Hamas tunnel and weapons production facilities under a university building.

Meanwhile, UNRWA expressed deep concern over the situation. “The destruction of our headquarters and the killing of civilians and aid workers are tragic and unacceptable. We urge all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” UNRWA stated.

Soon after the Israeli military accused UNRWA of supporting Hamas, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell said that the United Nations organization is a “lifeline for 5.9 million Palestinian refugees and a cornerstone of regional stability.”

Borrell assured the EU’s unwavering support for UNRWA and said that the organization plays an “irreplaceable role in Gaza”. EU foreign policy chief stressed that increasing funding for UNRWA is “more crucial than ever” to maintain vital services in the war-torn region.

Joseph Borrell also emphasized the urgency of resolving the conflict: “We are in a critical moment where all parties must show restraint and prioritize humanitarian concerns. The devastation and loss of life in Gaza are unacceptable.”

.@UNRWA is a lifeline for 5.9m Palestinian refugees & a cornerstone of regional stability. It plays an irreplaceable role in #Gaza. Increasing funding is more crucial than eve, to maintain vital services.

As the top donor w/ €500m annually, count on the EU's unwavering support. https://t.co/2anbnpCrzm

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 12, 2024

Worsening situation

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who had previously returned to Gaza City despite its extensive destruction in late 2023, have once again been ordered to evacuate by Israel.

On July 12, many residents returned to assess the damage after emergency teams extinguished fires. Reuters footage depicted the wreckage of roads and buildings, including the former UNRWA headquarters. Bodies wrapped in white shrouds lay on the floor at Al-Ahli Hospital, awaiting identification.

Tragically, in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, four aid workers from the Al-Khair Foundation, a Muslim NGO based in Britain and Turkey, were killed in an air strike at an aid distribution center, according to Hamas media.

Arab mediators, backed by the United States, continue to push for a ceasefire deal that would free Israelis held hostage by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. However, a senior Hamas official accused Israel of stalling the negotiation process, saying, “Israel hasn’t given a clear stance over Hamas proposal.”

As the conflict continues, the international community remains focused on achieving a ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.