Israel’s intensive strikes on Gaza leave streets desolate
In a grim turn of events on Christmas Eve, Israel escalated its military offensive in Gaza, further plunging civilians into dire conditions with no resolution in sight to the ongoing conflict.
According to Hamas, the war has claimed the lives of over 20,000 people in the Palestinian territory.
Bethlehem, the revered birthplace of Jesus Christ in the occupied West Bank, saw its usual vibrant Christmas festivities subdued due to the conflict.
The usually bustling streets were nearly empty, with only a handful of worshippers and tourists navigating the tense atmosphere.
The conflict, ignited when Hamas militants breached Gaza’s militarized border on October 7, has taken a devastating toll.
A tally based on Israeli figures reports approximately 1,140 casualties, mostly civilians, and 250 hostages seized by Hamas.
Israel, vowing to crush Hamas, launched a retaliatory campaign involving extensive aerial bombardment, resulting in a reported death toll of at least 20,424 people, predominantly women and children, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian territory’s health ministry.
On Christmas Eve, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, claiming the lives of at least 70 people, as confirmed by the Gaza health ministry.
The Israeli army stated it was “reviewing the incident” and committed to minimizing harm to civilians in accordance with international law.
Tragedy continued on Christmas Day with airstrikes in various locations, including a strike in the Al-Zuwaida area that claimed at least 12 lives, predominantly women and children.
As the conflict persists, Gazans are grappling with the aftermath, with heavy bombings reported in Rafah and Khan Yunis.
Witnesses in Rafah voiced the harsh reality of the situation, describing “real hunger” and dire living conditions.
Vast areas of Gaza lie in ruins, and approximately 80% of Gazans have been displaced, seeking shelter in makeshift tents against the winter cold.
The UN refugee agency and the World Health Organization have both called for a humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis, in his Christmas address, called for peace, emphasizing the rejection of war’s futile logic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the heavy toll on his country but insisted that they had “no choice but to keep fighting” in what he termed a “long war.”
The conflict has not only heightened tensions in the Middle East but also drawn attention to the broader regional implications, with Israel facing opposition from Iran-backed armed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Cross-border incidents with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Huthi rebels in Yemen further escalate regional tensions.
The international community watches with growing concern as the toll on civilians continues to rise, and calls for a ceasefire intensify.