Beit Lahiya turns into ghost town
Palestinian sources report that almost all residents of Gaza Strip town fled their homes following IDF strike, only gunmen left in alleys. Palestinian Health Minister calls on residents to donate blood
The Health Ministry added that the situation of 14 of the injured, some of them children, was critical and that they were hospitalized at intensive care units in Gaza hospitals.
Meanwhile, Palestinian sources reported that many residents from the town of Beit Lahiya, and particularly from the al-Atatra neighborhood, where the fighting is centered, have left their homes.
Eyewitnesses and neighbors reported that many residents were seen leaving the town by taxis and commercial vehicles for fear of getting hurt in the IDF offensive.
According to the Palestinians, the town of Beit Lahiya is almost desolated, apart from gunmen in its allies who are exchanging fire with IDF soldiers. The town is suffering from severe electricity blackouts, and there has been no electricity supply to most of its parts since the IDF began its northern Gaza Strip operation.
Palestinian killed near Nablus
The Palestinian Authority on Friday resumed its call on the international community to interfere and provide the Palestinians with international protection from the IDF offensive.
In a separate incident, Palestinian sources reported that a Palestinian was killed by IDF soldiers near Nablus. According to the report, a large IDF force was operating at the Askar camp near the city and besieging a house in which Islamic Jihad activists were hiding. Exchanges of fire were taking place in the area.
During an IDF operation in the Jenin refugee camp Thursday night, soldiers detained Muin Kendil, a wanted Tanzim member who, according to the defense establishment, was involved in planning and carrying out shooting attacks and hurling explosive devices at IDF soldiers in the area.
The man was taken into interrogation by security forces. During the operation, soldiers confiscated an M-16 rifle and two pistols.
