Parts of Gaza lie devastated due to the war, resulting in the loss of approximately 20,400 Palestinian lives and the displacement of nearly all 2.3 million inhabitants of the territory.
On Sunday, health officials reported that over 70 individuals lost their lives in Gaza during one of the most devastating strikes of the conflict. Concurrently, Israeli leaders acknowledged the significant toll, noting the loss of 15 soldiers in combat over the weekend.
AP reporters situated at a nearby hospital observed distressed Palestinians rushing in with casualties, including children, in the aftermath of the devastating attack on the Maghazi refugee camp, located east of Deir al-Balah. Among them, a bloodied young girl appeared dazed as medical personnel examined her for potential injuries.
Ashraf al-Qidra, the spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry, indicated that the toll was anticipated to increase.
Ahmad Turokmani, who suffered the loss of multiple family members, including his daughter and grandson, expressed, “We were all deliberately targeted. There’s simply no safe haven in Gaza.”
On Christmas Eve, the besieged region witnessed rising smoke, contrasting with Bethlehem in the West Bank, where holiday festivities were canceled, creating a somber atmosphere. Meanwhile, in Egypt nearby, there were ongoing tentative discussions regarding a potential agreement for the exchange of hostages in return for Palestinians detained by Israel.
Parts of Gaza have been ravaged by the ongoing conflict, resulting in the loss of approximately 20,400 Palestinian lives and the displacement of nearly the entire population of 2.3 million.
The escalating casualties among Israeli troops, totaling 154 since the commencement of the ground offensive, may diminish public support for the war. The conflict ignited when Hamas-led militants attacked communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in 1,200 fatalities and 240 individuals being taken hostage.
Despite mounting international pressure against Israel’s offensive and the increasingly grim toll on Palestinian lives, the majority of Israelis continue to back the nation’s objectives. These objectives include dismantling Hamas’ governance and military capabilities and securing the release of the remaining 129 captives.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized, “The war imposes a substantial toll on us, but we are left with no alternative but to persist in our fight.”
In a nationally televised speech, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed for the country to remain united. “This moment is a test. We will not break nor blink,” he said.
There has been widespread anger against his government, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures.
“With the passage of time, it will become increasingly challenging for the public to overlook the substantial toll exacted, coupled with growing doubts about the achievement of the loudly proclaimed objectives. Moreover, Hamas exhibits no indications of yielding anytime soon, further exacerbating the situation,” remarked Amos Harel, the military affairs commentator at Haaretz newspaper.
The Israeli military has declared the successful dismantling of Hamas’ underground headquarters in northern Gaza as part of an extensive operation aimed at eliminating the extensive tunnel network and targeting senior commanders. Israeli leaders have projected that this endeavor could span several months.
Concurrently, efforts persist in pursuing negotiations. Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the head of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, has traveled to Egypt to engage in discussions. The militant group, involved in the October 7 attack, has indicated a willingness to consider releasing hostages only upon cessation of hostilities. Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ top leader, visited Cairo for talks in the preceding days.
Inside GAZA, Israel’s offensive has resulted in one of the most severe military campaigns in recent memory. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that over two-thirds of the 20,000 Palestinians killed were women and children. The ministry’s data doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The Palestinian Red Crescent has reported the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy in an Israeli drone attack while he was inside al-Amal Hospital located in Khan Younis, a region in Gaza believed by Israel’s military to be harboring Hamas leaders.
During an Israeli strike overnight, a residence in a refugee camp situated west of Rafah, along Gaza’s border with Egypt, was hit. At least two men lost their lives, as confirmed by Associated Press journalists who were present at the hospital where the deceased were brought.
Furthermore, a missile strike on a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and left six others injured.
Reports from Palestinians detailed intense Israeli bombardment and gunfire in Jabaliya, a northern area of Gaza City previously declared under Israeli control. Hamas’ military wing stated that its fighters engaged Israeli troops in both Jabaliya and the Jabaliya refugee camp.
Israel has been confronted with international condemnation over the civilian casualties during its recent military actions, attributing the blame to Hamas. The Israeli government asserts that militants have deliberately operated from densely populated residential areas and tunnels. Thousands of airstrikes have been carried out since October 7, resulting in what Israel claims to be the deaths of numerous Hamas militants, although specific evidence has not been presented.
Amidst the conflict, Israel is facing accusations of mistreatment towards Palestinian males, including teenagers, who have been detained across various locations such as homes, shelters, and hospitals during the ongoing offensive. Denying these allegations, Israel maintains that individuals not associated with militants are swiftly released.
Sharing his account from a hospital bed in Rafah subsequent to his release, Khamis al-Burdainy from Gaza City recounted being detained after his home was partially destroyed by Israeli forces using tanks and bulldozers. He described the ordeal of being handcuffed and blindfolded, stating they were deprived of sleep, food, and water, as tears streamed down his face while covering it in distress.
Another recently released detainee, Mohammed Salem from Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighborhood, recounted the brutality suffered at the hands of Israeli troops, describing beatings and humiliation. Salem lamented, “We were degraded. Even a female soldier would target and assault a 72-year-old man.”
In response to the dire humanitarian situation in Palestine, the United Nations Security Council passed a diluted resolution urging the swift delivery of aid to alleviate hunger and desperation among Palestinians, as well as calling for the release of all hostages. However, notably absent from the resolution was a direct plea for a cease-fire.
The specifics of how and when the increased delivery of essential supplies—falling significantly below the pre-war daily average of 500—will occur remain unclear. Currently, aid trucks access Gaza primarily through two crossings: Rafah and Kerem Shalom along the Israeli border. Wael Abu Omar, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Crossings Authority, reported that 93 aid trucks entered Gaza via Rafah on Saturday.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the United Nations’ plea for a humanitarian cease-fire. He took to social media to express deep concern, stating that the devastation of Gaza’s health infrastructure is a tragic situation.
Amid escalating worries of a broader regional conflict, the U.S. Central Command reported that a patrol ship in the Red Sea intercepted and destroyed four drones launched from regions controlled by the Houthi faction in Yemen. Simultaneously, two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles targeted international maritime routes.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, claim that their attacks specifically target ships associated with Israel as part of their efforts to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
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