Key Facts
- Start date
- 5 October 2024
- End date (ceasefire)
- 19 January 2025
- Duration (approx.)
- ~3.5 months
- Areas besieged
- Jabalia, Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun
- Aid access
- Completely cut off from northern Gaza
Strategic Narrative Overview
The IDF imposed a total siege on northern Gaza, destroying roads linking it to Gaza City and blocking humanitarian aid from entering Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun. Civilians attempting to flee faced Israeli bombardments and shootings. Human rights organizations accused Israel of war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. Hospitals and medical infrastructure were attacked. A senior COGAT official claimed no population remained in the besieged towns, justifying the aid blockade.
01 / The Origins
The siege of North Gaza began on 5 October 2024 as part of Israel's broader Gaza war campaign against Hamas. Israeli forces reinvaded Jabalia and its refugee camp after months of reduced activity in the area. The operation was reportedly driven by the so-called 'generals' plan,' which aimed to depopulate northern Gaza by declaring it a combat zone, issuing evacuation orders to civilians, and cutting off all external aid.
03 / The Outcome
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on 19 January 2025, ending the siege. The IDF withdrew from northern Gaza on that same day, repositioning to a buffer zone along the Gaza–Israel border. The immediate aftermath left the besieged towns with severely damaged infrastructure, disrupted medical services, and an acute humanitarian crisis, with international bodies continuing to warn of catastrophic conditions for remaining residents.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.