In one of the most devastating nights of the 11-week-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have left at least 78 people dead, marking a tragic event that unfolded even on Christmas Day. The strikes, which began hours before midnight, continued relentlessly into the early hours of Monday, hitting the central Gaza region of al-Bureij with increased air and ground shelling.
Targeting Civilians in Maghazi: A Grim Toll
The toll on civilians has been severe, with at least 70 people killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting Maghazi in central Gaza. Health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra revealed that many among the casualties were women and children. The Israeli army, responding to the reports, stated it was reviewing the incident and reiterated its commitment to minimizing harm to civilians. In contrast, Hamas denied operating in densely populated areas or using civilians as shields.
Obstructing Humanitarian Aid: A Dire Situation
The Palestinian Red Crescent documented the dire situation on the ground, publishing footage of wounded residents being transported to hospitals. It reported that Israeli warplanes were targeting main roads, hindering the passage of ambulances and emergency vehicles, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Bethlehem’s Silent Night: Cancelled Celebrations
Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, were marred as clergy canceled festivities in solidarity with the victims of the conflict. Pope Francis, addressing the situation during Christmas Eve Mass in Rome, lamented the drowning out of Jesus’ message of peace by the “futile logic of war” in the very land of his birth.
Candle-lit Vigil: Prayers for Peace in Bethlehem
Palestinian Christians held a candle-lit Christmas vigil in Bethlehem, replacing the usual celebrations with hymns and prayers for peace in Gaza. The absence of the usual large Christmas tree and Nativity figurines placed amid rubble and barbed wire served as poignant symbols of solidarity with the suffering people of Gaza.
Escalating Conflict: Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict, which began with the kidnapping of hostages during a rampage through Israeli towns on October 7, has escalated, leading to a devastating toll on both sides. Israel’s siege of Gaza has resulted in over 20,400 confirmed deaths, with thousands more believed dead under the rubble. The majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and the United Nations describes conditions as catastrophic.
Diplomatic Efforts and Escalating Tensions
Despite diplomatic efforts, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, to secure a new truce and free remaining hostages, progress has been minimal. The Israeli military’s determination to pursue a “total victory” over Hamas, in the face of international pressure to reduce civilian casualties, adds to the complexity of the situation.
As the conflict continues to intensify, the international community watches with growing concern, hoping for a swift resolution that brings an end to the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
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Credit: Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Bassam Masoud and Dan Williams