DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — A series of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip during the night and into Sunday has resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals, with among them five children, according to reports from Palestinian medical officials. This escalation of violence occurred while Gaza’s small Christian community gathered to observe a pre-Christmas Mass.
In an unusual event, the leader of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was permitted to visit Gaza to celebrate Mass at a local church, despite the omnipresent sounds of Israeli drones circling above. One of the strikes reportedly targeted a school in Gaza City that was providing shelter to displaced individuals, leading to the deaths of at least eight people, including three children. The Israeli military defended the strike, stating that it had targeted Hamas militants who were believed to be taking refuge there.
Another attack on a residential home in Deir al-Balah on Saturday evening resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, three of whom were women and two children, as confirmed by Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Six additional fatalities were reported from various strikes on Sunday, according to local hospital sources. Amidst the debris in Deir al-Balah, a relative named Noman Abu Samra shared the anguish of searching for children who were unaccounted for, describing how they had been sleeping together in the living room at the time of the strike.
The Israeli military has been conducting regular airstrikes in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas that has lasted over 14 months. Israeli officials maintain that they focus solely on militant targets, accusing Hamas of concealing itself within civilian populations. However, these air raids have frequently resulted in civilian casualties, including many women and children.
Recently, there appeared to be progress towards a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which would involve the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. However, significant challenges remain, and indirect negotiations have faced numerous setbacks.
During the Mass at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, Cardinal Pizzaballa, along with other clergy, addressed dozens of congregants gathered for the service beneath a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. In his remarks, he expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, stating, “The entire world is with you, not just the Christian community,” and encouraged them to remain steadfast and not lose hope. His visit corresponded with Pope Francis’s recent criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which the pontiff referred to as “cruelty” during his Christmas greetings.
Pope Francis has also recently called for a comprehensive investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide. This assertion has been echoed by organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Additionally, the International Court of Justice has initiated its own inquiries based on allegations made by South Africa against Israel. Israel firmly rejects accusations of genocide, asserting that its military actions are focused solely on confronting Hamas, which it accuses of committing acts of genocidal violence.
The conflict intensified following an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in southern Israel, predominantly civilians. Around 250 individuals were taken hostage, with roughly 100 currently believed to remain in Gaza, and a significant number thought to be deceased. In retaliation, Israel’s airstrikes and ground invasions have resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths since the onset of hostilities, including a majority of women and children.
The ferocity of the ongoing offensive has led to widespread devastation, displacing nearly 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, often multiple times. As winter approaches, hundreds of thousands find themselves crammed into desperate tent encampments along the coastal region, facing harsh conditions.
Since early October, Israel has concentrated its military operations in northern Gaza, engaging Hamas in areas that have been severely impacted and isolated. As a result, tens of thousands have fled, with the military issuing comprehensive evacuation orders that have severely restricted humanitarian aid access.
On Friday, the Israeli military’s civilian affairs body, known as COGAT, reported that it had facilitated the evacuation of over 100 patients and caretakers from two hospitals in the northern region, which have struggled to maintain operations. COGAT also stated that it arranged for the delivery of essential supplies, including fuel and food, to these medical facilities. However, the director of one hospital reported ongoing shelling and insisted that an evacuation order had been issued, while the Israeli military claimed no such order was in place and had no knowledge of attacks occurring there.
In related news, violence erupted in the volatile West Bank town of Jenin, where militants shot and killed a member of the Palestinian security forces and injured two others. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority has initiated a rare crackdown in response to the turmoil in the area. According to security forces, the attack was attributed to “outlaws,” although specifics were not provided. The Palestinian Authority, which holds limited jurisdiction in certain areas of the West Bank, remains internationally recognized but faces widespread dissent from the Palestinian populace, partly due to its collaboration with Israel on security matters. The West Bank has been a point of contention since Israel captured the region during the 1967 Mideast War, as Palestinians aspire for it to become the cornerstone of their future state.
