Thousands in northern Gaza denied humanitarian, medical care amid Israeli 'genocide, ethnic cleansing'

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Thousands of civilians in northern Gaza are deprived of essential humanitarian and medical support amid an ongoing "genocide and ethnic cleansing" in the region, the Gaza Civil Defense said on Saturday.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, announced in a statement: “Our work has been forcibly suspended for 18 days due to relentless targeting, depriving thousands of citizens in northern Gaza of critical care.”

The spokesman detailed that Israeli forces attacked Civil Defense teams on Oct. 23, seizing their vehicles and displacing most personnel to central and southern Gaza. Nine Civil Defense members were also detained in the assault, he added.

Since Oct. 5, the Israeli army has intensified its ground offensive in northern Gaza, with Israeli officials claiming it is to prevent Hamas from regaining strength in the area. Palestinians, however, argue that Israel’s intent is to occupy northern Gaza and create a buffer zone.

Israel has continued a devastating offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, killing over 43,500 Palestinians and rendering the enclave almost uninhabitable.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the blockaded enclave.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi