At least 70 civilian casualties were reported in Gaza, with an additional 15 Israeli soldiers killed in the ongoing conflict. The widespread devastation in Gaza has forced nearly all residents to flee. The Israeli offensive, triggered by Hamas-led militants, has resulted in a substantial loss of life among Israeli troops and garnered international criticism.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza — In a grim turn of events, at least 68 people lost their lives in central Gaza due to an Israeli strike, as health officials reported on Sunday. The toll includes 12 women and seven children, according to early hospital figures. The strike targeted the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah, leaving the area in chaos and devastation.
Associated Press journalists witnessed the aftermath at a nearby hospital, where distraught Palestinians carried the dead, including a baby, and tended to the wounded. One young girl, covered in blood, appeared stunned as medical professionals checked her for possible injuries.
Ahmad Turokmani, who lost several family members, including his daughter and grandson, spoke of the indiscriminate nature of the attack, stating, “We were all targeted. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway.”
Earlier reports from the Health Ministry in Gaza had initially given the death toll as 70. The Israeli military has not issued an immediate comment on the incident.
As Christmas Eve unfolded, smoke rose over the besieged territory, contrasting with the hushed atmosphere in Bethlehem, where holiday celebrations were called off. Meanwhile, neighboring Egypt continued tentative efforts for a deal involving the exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel.
The devastating war in Gaza has resulted in significant human suffering and displacement. Over 20,400 Palestinians have lost their lives, and almost the entire population of 2.3 million people has been displaced.
The Israeli offensive, triggered by an attack led by Hamas militants on October 7, has taken a toll on both sides. The death toll among Israeli troops has reached 154 since the ground offensive began. However, public support for the war in Israel remains steadfast, despite mounting international criticism and the rising toll on Palestinian lives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the heavy price of the war in a televised speech, stating, “The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting.” President Isaac Herzog appealed for national unity, emphasizing that this moment is a test that the country will endure.
The Israeli military reported the completion of the dismantling of Hamas’ underground headquarters in northern Gaza, part of a broader operation targeting the tunnel network and top commanders.
Efforts toward negotiations persisted, with the head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, arriving in Egypt for talks. The group, which also participated in the October 7 attack, expressed readiness to consider releasing hostages after the fighting ceases.
Within Gaza, Israeli airstrikes continue to take a devastating toll. On Friday, airstrikes on two homes claimed the lives of 90 Palestinians, including dozens from an extended family. The conflict has also sparked allegations of mistreatment of Palestinian detainees by Israeli forces, which Israel denies.
As international pressure mounts, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for the swift delivery of humanitarian aid for Palestinians and the release of hostages, stopping short of demanding a cease-fire. The World Health Organization emphasized the dire state of Gaza’s health system and reiterated calls for a humanitarian cease-fire.
Amid concerns about a broader regional conflict, the U.S. Central Command reported the shooting down of four drones in the Red Sea launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were also fired into international shipping lanes, raising tensions in the region. The Houthis claim their actions are aimed at Israel-linked ships to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
