Gaza: The Israeli army conducted a series of airstrikes on the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun on Saturday evening, as part of an ongoing offensive on the Palestinian enclave. Explosions echoed across the town, causing alarm among displaced civilians.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee stated that the military targeted over 35 sites in Beit Hanoun, claiming Hamas infrastructure was among them. However, no specific details were provided, and there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Beit Hanoun has faced intense Israeli strikes recently, following a Hamas attack earlier in the week that resulted in the deaths of five soldiers and injuries to 14 others. On Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz released an aerial image illustrating the extensive destruction in the town. Positioned on Gaza's northern border, Beit Hanoun was one of the initial targets of the Israeli invasion in October 2023.
Despite the offensive, which has spanned over 21 months since its onset on October 7, 2023, Palestinian factions continue to launch ambushes, challenging Israeli forces and highlighting Tel Aviv's struggles to meet its military objectives. In June 2024, Beit Hanoun was declared a "disaster area" by local authorities due to the devastation of infrastructure and essential services.
Before the conflict, Beit Hanoun had a population of 60,000 and covered 17,000 dunams (1,700 hectares), according to data from the Beit Hanoun Municipality. Israel's offensive, which began in late October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 58,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The ongoing bombardment has ravaged the enclave, leading to severe food shortages and disease outbreaks.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the enclave.