Israel Continues Assault on Gaza, Thousands Killed
Amidst the ongoing conflict, Israel has intensified its attacks on Gaza, further worsening the already dire conditions for civilians. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 20,000 people have lost their lives in the Palestinian territory as a result of the war.
The escalating violence has also had a significant impact on Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, the revered birthplace of Jesus Christ. The festivities have been effectively canceled, leaving the usually bustling streets with only a few worshippers and tourists.
Pope Francis, in his annual Christmas message, called for peace and expressed his concern for the situation in Bethlehem. He stated, "Tonight, our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, by the clash of arms that even today prevents him from finding room in the world."
During his Christmas Day mass, the Pope reiterated his plea for peace and called for the release of hostages and an end to the war.
During the "Urbi and Orbi" blessing, an unnamed individual expressed their sadness for the victims of a horrific attack on October 7th. They urgently appealed for the release of those still being held hostage and called for an end to military operations that were causing innocent civilian casualties. They also called for a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation through the provision of humanitarian aid.
On Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledged the heavy toll the war was taking on soldiers but stated that they had no choice but to continue fighting. He added that the war would be a long one.
Efforts were ongoing in Egypt to negotiate another humanitarian pause in the fighting between the two sides, according to the Associated Press.
The war began when Hamas militants crossed Gaza's militarized border and attacked southern Israeli communities on October 7th. The attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,140 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, including extensive aerial bombardment, resulting in the deaths of at least 20,424 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry.
The army said it was "reviewing the incident", adding it was "committed to international law including taking feasible steps to minimize harm to civilians".
Ten members of one family were killed in an Israeli strike on their house in the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza, the health ministry said.
In a separate attack, the ministry said 18 people were killed in an overnight strike on Khan Yunis.
There was no respite Christmas Day, with the army saying it continued its ground, air and sea operations and struck several Hamas targets, including commanders.
Before dawn, an Israeli strike "targeting a house" in the central Al-Zuwaida area of Gaza killed at least 12 people, mostly women and children, the health ministry said. AFP was unable to independently verify the tolls.
Grasping empty containers, dozens of Gazans waited on a street in Rafah for food to be distributed.
"We're fed up; this is not a life. I swear such a war has never happened before," said one of them, Nour Ismail. "Now there is real hunger. My children are dying of hunger."
A humanitarian crisis looms in Gaza as vast areas lie in ruins and its 2.4 million people suffer from dire shortages of water, food, fuel, and medicine. The limited arrival of aid trucks provides some relief, but the situation remains desperate.
The United Nations reports that 80% of Gazans have been displaced, with many fleeing south and now seeking shelter in makeshift tents to protect themselves from the harsh winter cold.
Filippo Grandi, the head of the UN refugee agency, has called for an end to the suffering, stating that a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is the only way forward. He emphasizes that war defies logic and humanity, and will only breed more hatred and less peace.
Joining the call for a ceasefire, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization chief, describes the decimation of the Gaza health system as a tragedy.
The Israeli army has announced that two more soldiers were killed on Monday, bringing the total number of casualties to 17 since Friday. Since Israel's ground assault began on October 27, 156 soldiers have been killed.
Detainees who were recently freed and a medic have come forward to report that Palestinians held by the Israeli army in Gaza have suffered torture. However, the military denies these allegations.
The ongoing war in Gaza has heightened tensions across the Middle East. Israel faces a range of enemies, including Iran-backed armed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, all of which have voiced support for Hamas. Cross-border fire between Israel and Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement has also been a frequent occurrence.
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