Israeli airstrike hits refugee camp in Northern Gaza, killing 33
Deir Al-balah (Gaza Strip): At least 33 people, including 21 women, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, according to Hamas-led authorities. The attack, which injured more than 85 people, has worsened the dire humanitarian situation in the densely populated camp, which has been under siege for weeks.
The final death toll is expected to rise, as many residents remain trapped beneath the rubble of homes belonging to three families. Ambulance crews continue recovery efforts, but overwhelmed hospitals are treating injured individuals on the floors due to a lack of space.
Video footage circulating on social media, which has not been independently verified, shows bodies wrapped in white shrouds laid out at al-Awda Hospital. The hospital's director described the influx of casualties as unmanageable, stating, “Our wards are completely full.”
Israeli authorities have not commented on the attack. They claim to have delivered 30 trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies into northern Gaza, but local officials say aid has not reached heavily impacted areas like Jabalia.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate. The head of the UN's Office for Humanitarian Assistance, Georgios Petropoulos, warned that conditions in Jabalia are "atrocious." Speaking from southern Gaza, he emphasized the urgent need for more relief efforts.
Israel's blockade of northern Gaza remains in place, with Minister Amichai Chikli defending the restrictions as “legal under international law.” He stated that civilians were given an opportunity to evacuate to designated safe zones, but supplies were barred from entering the blockaded areas.
In a parallel development, US President Joe Biden expressed hope for a potential ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel is engaged in ground operations against Hezbollah militants. However, he admitted that achieving a ceasefire in Gaza would be more challenging.
The airstrike follows the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, which some had hoped might bring an end to the conflict. However, Hamas deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya declared that hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack would not be released unless Israel ends its military campaign and withdraws from Gaza.
Clashes also intensified in Lebanon, with Israel claiming to have killed 60 Hezbollah fighters and destroyed a regional command center. In response, Hezbollah reported rocket attacks on Haifa and nearby areas.
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Bihar govt to engage scientists to curb arsenic concentration in leafy, root vegetables
Patna (PTI): The Bihar government has decided to involve scientists and officials of various departments to tackle rising arsenic levels in leafy and root vegetables in some districts, officials said on Sunday.
The state government is also planning to launch an awareness campaign for farmers in affected areas to inform them about measures being taken by the government, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav told PTI.
“There is no doubt that arsenic-contaminated groundwater has led to higher concentrations in leafy vegetables, root vegetables including potatoes, and other agricultural produce in certain parts of the state. It is a matter of serious concern,” Yadav said.
He said that scientists and officials from the Public Health and Engineering (PHED), Health, and Minor Water Resources departments will be engaged to curb arsenic concentration in vegetables.
According to Bihar Agriculture Department officials, arsenic concentration has been recorded at 0.1 mg per kg in leafy vegetables, 0.3 mg per kg in root vegetables including potatoes, and 1.0 mg per kg in paddy crops.
Bihar PHED Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh had recently told the state assembly that arsenic was detected in groundwater in 14 districts, fluoride in 11 districts, and iron in 12 districts.
He said in some areas, nitrate levels also exceeded prescribed standards, prompting the marking of hand pumps with red paint to warn residents against using the water for drinking purposes.
Singh told PTI that the state government is providing safe drinking water under the ‘Har Ghar Nal ka Jal’ scheme, and planning alternative measures to supply safe water to farmers for agriculture.
Regular water quality tests are being conducted, and toll-free and WhatsApp numbers have been issued to address complaints related to drinking water supply.
“The permissible limit of arsenic is 0.01 mg per litre and fluoride 1.0 mg per litre. Exceeding these limits can cause health issues like bone fluorosis and tooth decay. Arsenic purification equipment has been installed in 4,709 wards to ensure safe water,” Singh added.
