This Post Is Recently Updated on Dec 24, 2023 @ 13:31 pm by TBB Desk
In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israeli military announced significant combat losses on December 24th. According to the latest update, eight Israeli soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip, which brings the total number of combat losses to 154 since ground incursions began on October 20th. Earlier in the day, Israel had announced the death of five soldiers, indicating a continual rise in military casualties.
Syria, in a show of solidarity with Gaza, canceled Christmas festivities. This gesture reflects the widespread regional impact and emotional resonance of the conflict.
The Hamas-run government office in Gaza reported extensive destruction, with over 55,000 residential buildings destroyed since the start of the war. This figure underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure and homes in Gaza.
In a significant security operation, Israel reported the arrest of 200 members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups. These arrests are part of Israel’s broader strategy to weaken the operational capabilities of these organizations within the region.
Hamas, on the other hand, reported a stark increase in casualties due to Israeli strikes. In a span of 24 hours, more than 200 people were killed in Gaza, as stated by Hamas-controlled authorities. The United States, an ally of Israel, has pressed for more action to protect civilians amidst these escalating strikes.
The United Nations’ hunger monitoring system revealed a concerning humanitarian situation. By the start of December, over two million Gazans faced acute food insecurity, with more than 378,000 experiencing “catastrophic hunger.” This situation is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and destruction of essential infrastructure.
On the ground, intense fighting continued in northern Gaza. U.S. President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, highlighting international diplomatic engagements concerning the war.
In a personal story reflecting the human cost of the conflict, Fadi Sckak, a university student in Sunnyvale, California, expressed his desperation to help his mother escape the violence in Gaza. Fadi, whose father was lost to the conflict, is one of three American sons of the Palestinian couple. His mother, Zahra Sckak, 44, remains trapped in Gaza City.
Hamas’s health ministry reported that dozens of Palestinians were killed and publicly “executed” during an Israeli military operation in the north of the Gaza Strip. The ministry’s spokesman, Ashraf al-Qudra, referred to the incidents in the Jabalia camp and Jabalia town as a “massacre” and claimed that Israeli forces executed citizens.
Amidst these developments, Iran criticized the United Nations for its ‘inefficacy’ in stopping the war in Gaza, reflecting the international dimension and complexities of the conflict.
Key Points
- Israeli Military Losses: 154 combat losses since October 20; eight soldiers killed recently in Gaza.
- Syria’s Solidarity: Christmas festivities canceled in support of Gaza.
- Civilian Impact in Gaza: Over 55,000 residential buildings destroyed.
- Arrests by Israel: 200 members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups detained.
- Hamas Reports Heavy Casualties: Over 200 killed in 24 hours of Israeli strikes.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Acute food insecurity affecting over two million Gazans.
- Personal Stories: American families caught in the crossfire, highlighting the human aspect of the war.
- International Responses: Iran criticizes UN’s inefficacy; U.S. engaged in diplomatic talks.
