More than 40 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, the Gaza Civil Defense reported on Saturday.

Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal confirmed via Telegram that the attack struck the home of the Al-Araj family in the Tel al-Zaatar neighborhood, leaving dozens dead and further devastating the already besieged region.

The strike is part of Israel's large-scale ground and air operation launched on October 5, which the Israeli government claims is aimed at preventing Hamas from regrouping. However, Palestinians accuse Israel of attempting to forcibly displace residents and occupy northern Gaza.

The blockade has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, with no food, medicine, or fuel allowed into the area. Local authorities estimate that the population of approximately 80,000 people is on the brink of famine.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 2,300 people have been killed in northern Gaza since the campaign began, with the overall death toll across Gaza reaching nearly 44,400, primarily women and children, since October 7, 2023.

The conflict has drawn international legal scrutiny. On November 21, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. In addition, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with humanitarian agencies repeatedly calling for immediate aid access and a cessation of hostilities. (ILKHA)