Death toll nears 22,000 as Israel widens aerial attacks in Gaza

Middle East, News December 27, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Updated on: January 1, 2024

The death toll in Gaza has reached nearly 22,000 as Israel continues its assault and aerial attacks on civilian targets. Israeli airstrikes on Christmas Eve resulted in more than 100 deaths in Gaza.

The Gaza Strip is facing one of the deadliest attacks in recent times as Israeli forces are now targeting evacuation zones and civilian installations in the besieged city. Israeli air force conducted a late-night attack on the Maghazi refugee camp in the Deir al-Balah region. The attack, conducted on December 24, 2023, has resulted in more than 100 deaths so far.

Deir al-Balah region, in Central Gaza, has been marked as a “safe zone” for the displaced civilians and it became home to the thousands of displaced civilians fleeing Israel’s brutal aerial and ground attacks in Northern Gaza.

Officials From Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah initially reported at least 68 deaths, however, the number quickly started to rise after additional bodies were brought to the hospital.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had received “reports of an incident in the Maghazi camp”. It added that “despite the challenges posed by Hamas terrorists operating within civilian areas in Gaza, the IDF is committed to international law including taking feasible steps to minimize harm to civilians”.

Large portions of Gaza have been ravaged by the war, resulting in the death of nearly 21,000 Palestinians and the displacement of nearly the entire population of 2.3 million in the region.

Smoke rises over Gaza after Israeli bombing — ^{Smoke rises over Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, December 24, 2023. (Image Credit: Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura)}

Festivities altered

Christmas celebrations throughout Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories were canceled as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Gaza. In contrast to the customary parade and festive midnight service typically held in Bethlehem, the town in the occupied West Bank believed to be Jesus’s birthplace, Palestinian Christians conducted a subdued mass featuring hymns and prayers for peace.

“This day is supposed to be a day of love and happiness but look around you, there are no smiles on people’s faces. Bethlehem is sad and dark. There are no decorations, no carols, or a Christmas tree,” said the Reverend Louis Salman. “I blame the decision-makers who watch what is happening to the children of Gaza and do nothing.”

We have no choice but to continue fighting: Netanyahu

Tel Aviv has been facing international pressure to stop brutalities in Gaza with Washington being the ally backing its attacks. The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution last week that advocates for an immediate pause in Gaza and to allow for the delivery of more humanitarian aid in the besieged city.

Despite the mounting pressure from his friends and foes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to keep up the fight against Hamas militants. Just hours after the attack on a refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Netanyahu visited Israeli troops and vowed to continue the attacks in Gaza.

“The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting,” Netanyahu said about the 17 Israeli soldiers who were killed in the combat in Central and Southern Gaza.