Residents of the Palestinian refugee district of Jabalia in the Gaza Strip are reporting ongoing Israeli attacks in the area, saying that repeated explosions and low-flying drones can be heard.
Israel has reportedly encircled the district and imposed a curfew. Thousands of civilians were unable to leave their homes, locals told dpa, and people were struggling to get water and food supplies.
An Israeli army spokesman said the army was examining the reports. According to the military, it is repeatedly targeting bases of the Palestinian militant Hamas organization.
Residents of Jabalia reported that dozens of dead bodies in houses and on the streets could not be recovered under the circumstances. Wounded people were stuck inside their homes, unable to reach a hospital.
The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry said that within 24 hours, 52 bodies had been brought to hospitals in the coastal strip.
Since the war began over a year ago, more than 42,200 people have been killed and more than 98,400 others injured in the Gaza Strip. These figures cannot be independently verified.