Israel intensified its assault on Gaza on Monday, further worsening the already dire conditions for civilians, as the conflict with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry persisted. The ministry reported that over 20,000 people in the Palestinian territory have been killed in the ongoing war.
On Christmas Eve, an Israeli airstrike reportedly targeted the Al-Maghazi refugee camp, resulting in at least 70 casualties, according to the health ministry. Gaza officials, as per the Associated Press, claimed that more than 100 people were killed in multiple airstrikes. However, both figures remain unverified independently.
The escalation in violence coincided with subdued Christmas observances in Bethlehem, the revered birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The conflict led to the cancellation of many Christmas events, rendering the usually lively streets with only a sparse presence of worshippers and tourists.
Pope Francis marked Christmas with a call for peace, urging the release of the hostages and an end to the war. the already dire
“The abominable attack on October 7 has deeply saddened my heart, and I emphatically renew my urgent plea for the release of those still held hostage,” stated the pope during his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. “I implore an end to the military operations, which tragically claim the lives of innocent civilians, and advocate for a resolution to the dire humanitarian crisis through facilitating the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.”