Shejaia: A Neighborhood Under Siege - An Unbiased Report
On June 27, 2024, residents of the Shejaia neighborhood in northern Gaza were urged to evacuate towards Salah ad-Din Street due to an IDF operation in the area.
According to reports from various sources, including The Jerusalem Post and The New York Times, the IDF began a re-invasion of Shejaia after establishing operational control there earlier this year. Sources in Shejaia reported sudden advancements of vehicles, intense shooting and bombings from aircraft and artillery.
The invasion consisted mainly of air strikes and movements by tanks and artillery. The Jerusalem Post reported that the IDF Arabic spokesman, Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, addressed the residents of Shejaia urging them to evacuate towards Salah ad-Din Street for their safety.
The operation in Shejaia comes amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The IDF reportedly killed a Hezbollah terrorist who was engaged in launching unmanned aerial vehicles into Israel, and fighter jets attacked Hezbollah military buildings in the Houla and Aitaroun areas.
The Shejaia neighborhood has historically been a center of Hamas activity with significant past battles including December 2023 and Operation Protective Edge. The IDF's clear and hold tactic, which involves clearing an area of enemy forces before holding it, was employed during these operations.
The evacuation orders came as Palestinian media reported intensified strikes in the area. Civil defense teams were on standby to assist those fleeing their homes.
It is important to note that all sources should be approached with skepticism and fact-checking is crucial in reporting events such as these. The overall score for each source, based on their credibility and accuracy, should also be taken into consideration when synthesizing information from multiple sources.