Escalating Violence in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has intensified, with recent Israeli airstrikes resulting in significant casualties. Medical authorities reported that at least 26 Palestinians were killed on December 25, 2024, with 15 of those deaths occurring in the central and southern regions of Gaza. Among the victims were three individuals, including a child, who lost their lives in an airstrike targeting displaced persons' tents at a school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City. Furthermore, an attack on the Al-Jazeera Sports Club also resulted in injuries to several Palestinians.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, as hospitals are overwhelmed and have become makeshift morgues. Dr. Munir Al-Barash, Director General of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, highlighted that the health facilities are no longer able to provide adequate care due to the constant bombardment. He stated that approximately 10% of the population has been affected, either as martyrs, wounded, or missing, with the total number of casualties since October 2023 reaching 45,361 martyrs and over 107,803 wounded.
Resistance Operations and Military Developments
In response to the escalating violence, Palestinian resistance factions have launched a series of operations against Israeli forces. The Qassam Brigades, affiliated with Hamas, reported successful attacks on Israeli soldiers and military equipment, including the downing of an Israeli drone and targeting a Merkava tank. Similarly, the Al-Quds Brigades of Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for bombarding an Israeli command center with missiles.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz visited the Philadelphi Corridor, emphasizing that security control over Gaza would remain firmly in Israeli hands. Katz asserted that Israel would establish buffer zones and control sites within Gaza while vowing to defeat Hamas and ensure the safe return of kidnapped individuals. The Israeli military has also reported the destruction of critical infrastructure, including underground tunnels used for attacks.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with reports indicating that over 153,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured since the onset of hostilities. The destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals further exacerbates the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire.
