A massive and bloody Israeli incursion

Mothers weeping over corpses of their sons, torn-up roads, demolished houses, deserted shops, damaged sewerage systems and a prevailing stink of death are the hallmarks of the Strip’s largest Jabaliya refugee camp, the main target of the deadliest Israeli offensive since the start of the second Intifada in September 2000.

"We live in extreme panic and spend sleepless nights under unabated Israeli bombardment and air strikes," Intisar Al-Gharabawi, a camp resident, told IslamOnline.net Sunday, October 3.

"We are being slain by the Israeli army and no body ever lifts a finger to help us. We live in appalling conditions and are running out of food," added her neighbor Muyassar.

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered the expansion of the incursion and reinforcements to about 2,000 troops backed by up to 200 tanks.

The massive operation continued Sunday, claiming the lives of at least four more Palestinians.

Some 66 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in the sweeping Israeli offensive which was unleashed late Tuesday, September 28.

Steadfast

But the people of Jabaliya, estimated at around 85,000, remained steadfast in their defense of their homeland.

Resistance fighters and volunteers have taken positions at the outskirts of the camp standing their ground against armed-to-the-teeth Israeli soldiers, backed by tanks and helicopters.

"Thank God, no Israeli tank has managed so far to enter the camp," a Hamas fighter told IOL.

He dismissed as hoary old clichés Israeli claims that the incursion was aimed at stopping rocket attacks on Israeli towns and settlements.

Unknown Soldier

Palestinian medics are the unknown soldier in the war against the Israeli occupation forces. They put their lives on the line in the hope of saving others.

"We chock in our feelings of anger and anguish so that we can concentrate on our work," said Jawad Bedier, an ambulance driver.

"Though we are targeted by trigger-happy Israeli soldiers, we are resolved to resist the Israeli occupation and help our people," added his medic colleague Fadl Sobih.

Stone-throwing Palestinian children are also braving the Israeli military juggernaut. Some even set fire to tires to blur Israeli drones flying over the Gaza Strip.

"We are now old enough to defend our homes and lands," said enthusiastic 11-year-old Ghassan Salem.

Israeli occupation forces had twice attempted to break into the Jabaliya refugee camp, east of Gaza City, since the outbreak of Al-Aqsa Intifada, killing at least 52 Palestinians.