Israel’s offensive in Gaza prompts warnings of war crimes as nations condemn airstrikes in refugee camp

Israel’s bombing of the Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza for the second time in two days has sparked widespread condemnation and warnings of war crimes. The airstrikes also hit the vicinity of the Al Quds hospital in Gaza City where thousands of displaced people are sheltering. The strikes, which began on Wednesday and continued into Thursday, caused significant damage and resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people, most of whom were women and children. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the attacks were targeted at Hamas terrorists, but the United Nations Human Rights Office said the attacks could amount to war crimes due to the high number of civilian casualties. The escalating conflict in Gaza has so far claimed the lives of at least 8,700 people, with women, children, and the elderly making up the majority of the casualties. In response to the ongoing violence, several countries, including Jordan, Chile, Colombia, and Bolivia, have taken diplomatic measures, such as recalling ambassadors or cutting diplomatic relations with Israel. The United Nations and aid organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire, but the airstrikes and fighting continue. The situation in Gaza is dire, with half of the population consisting of children and hospitals and essential services being severely impacted by the bombings.