Smoke rises over Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, December 8, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
In an escalating wave of violence, Israel significantly increased its bombardment on the Gaza Strip, targeting the entire length of the Palestinian enclave and resulting in hundreds of casualties. This marked a new and intensified phase of the conflict, deviating from Israeli assurances to prioritize civilian protection, as stated by Washington.
The Israeli military reported striking over 450 targets in Gaza within the past 24 hours, a stark escalation since the collapse of the truce with Hamas. This figure is approximately double the daily average observed since the recent hostilities began. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza, declaring no safe zones within the region.
With the majority of Gazans displaced, limited access to aid, overwhelmed hospitals, and depleting food supplies, the main U.N. agency in Gaza warned of an imminent societal collapse. Both residents and the Israeli military reported intensified fighting in northern and southern areas, challenging previous assertions of completed military tasks in these regions.
Gaza’s health ministry reported a death toll of 350 on Thursday alone, bringing the total casualties from Israel’s campaign to 17,487. Thousands are presumed buried under rubble, and additional strikes were reported on Friday morning in various locations. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with residents struggling to find refuge as the conflict engulfs the entire enclave.
Israeli Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Dan Goldfuss acknowledged the intense fighting, stating that forces were engaged in house-to-house and tunnel-related combat. The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the imperative for Israel to take concrete steps to protect the civilian population in Gaza, highlighting a perceived gap between intent and on-the-ground results.
The conflict originated from Hamas’ cross-border incursion on October 7, prompting Israel’s campaign to dismantle the militant group. Subsequently, the majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with their homes destroyed and belongings reduced to what they can carry. The ongoing fighting has made it increasingly challenging for residents to find safety.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international calls for a ceasefire persist. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas advocates for an international peace conference to end the war in Gaza and work towards a lasting political solution leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Against the backdrop of escalating violence and deteriorating conditions, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, demanding urgent attention and diplomatic efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
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