According to Palestinian medical officials, the number of casualties resulting from an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza has now reached 106.
It has been reported that the Sunday night airstrike in the Maghazi refugee camp has emerged as one of the deadliest incidents in Israel's ongoing air campaign in Gaza. This campaign was initiated on October 7 as a response to a lethal cross-border attack carried out by Hamas militants.
Israel Launches Strikes on Central Gaza
According to hospital officials, an initial report indicated that 68 individuals had tragically lost their lives. In a tragic incident on Monday, a significant number of bodies were recovered by first responders.
These bodies, totaling over three dozen, were subsequently transported to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital located in Deir al-Balah. According to hospital records obtained by The Associated Press, a total of 106 deaths were documented. According to the Israeli military, the incident is currently under review.
In a series of tragic events leading up to Christmas, Israeli airstrikes have claimed numerous Palestinian lives, while ground fighting has resulted in the loss of 17 troops across various regions in the territory. Large parts of Gaza have been left in ruins as a result of the ongoing war.
Tragically, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 20,400 Palestinians, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. The impact of this violence has been further compounded by the fact that almost all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been forced to flee their homes, becoming displaced in the process, as per PBS News.
The death toll among Israeli troops has been steadily increasing since the ground offensive began, reaching a total of 156 casualties. This alarming number of fatalities has the potential to diminish public support for the ongoing war. The conflict was initially triggered by the actions of Hamas-led militants, who launched an attack on communities in southern Israel on October 7. This attack resulted in the tragic loss of 1,200 lives and the capture of 240 individuals.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Israelis continue to strongly support their country's objectives, which include dismantling Hamas' governing and military infrastructure and securing the release of the remaining 129 captives. Despite mounting international pressure and the alarming increase in casualties and suffering among Palestinians, Israel continues its offensive.
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Israel-Hamas Conflict
Israel's offensive is being described as one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, the number of Palestinians killed has exceeded 20,400, with women and children accounting for over two-thirds of the fatalities. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants among the deceased.
A total of 17 Israeli soldiers have tragically lost their lives in combat since Friday. The majority of these casualties occurred in the southern and central regions of Gaza, highlighting the intense fighting taking place in and around the city of Khan Younis.
In a statement made on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the significant toll that the ongoing war has taken on his country. Despite the heavy price being paid, Netanyahu emphasized that there is no alternative but to persevere and continue the fight.
The government has faced significant backlash from the public, with many expressing their anger over its perceived failure to safeguard civilians. Additionally, critics argue that the government's policies have inadvertently contributed to the growing influence of Hamas over the years. Netanyahu has been accused of evading accountability for the military and policy failures.
According to Amos Harel, a military affairs commentator for the Haaretz newspaper, the public will eventually find it difficult to overlook the significant cost incurred and the lingering doubt regarding the achievement of the loudly proclaimed goals. Additionally, Hamas is not displaying any indications of surrendering in the foreseeable future.
Israeli strikes have persisted, inflicting a significant toll. In the central city of Deir al-Balah, a hospital witnessed a scene of distress as Palestinians rushed in with casualties following a strike on the Maghazi refugee camp. Among the victims were the deceased, including an infant, and the injured. A bloodied young girl appeared visibly stunned as medical professionals carefully examined her body for any signs of broken bones, as per The Hill.
