IRIA News

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Israeli military conducted brutal operations in Gaza’s safe zones on December 22, 2024, to target displaced civilians, schools, and a hospital, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

Overnight attacks claimed the lives of dozens, including women and children, and raised urgent concerns from medical and human rights groups.

Israeli drone strikes targeted refugee tents, igniting a fire that killed seven people in Al Mawasi in southern Gaza. Further attacks on a civilian car and a vehicle carrying security personnel claimed the lives of four more individuals, according to local sources.

In central Gaza, the Nuseirat refugee camp came under attack when Israeli forces used quadcopters and armored vehicles to fire on a school housing displaced people early Monday morning. One person was killed in the strike, adding to the rising toll of civilian casualties.

The past 24 hours have been particularly deadly in Gaza. Medical sources reported that at least 50 people have been killed since early Sunday, reflecting the intensifying scale of Israel’s military campaign. The attacks have devastated communities already struggling to survive amid limited access to food, water, and medical supplies.

Calls for accountability

The attacks on refugee camps, schools, and hospitals underscore the immense risk faced by civilians in Gaza, where over 2 million people live under siege with few safe places to shelter. International bodies and advocacy groups have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, but the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate.

The relentless strikes have drawn sharp criticism from observers, who stress the urgent need to protect civilians and ensure access to medical care. “The scale of these attacks and their impact on civilians is a grim reminder of the urgent need for accountability and immediate international intervention,” a human rights official told reporters.

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza

As the violence continues, Gaza remains engulfed in a dire humanitarian crisis. Nearly all of Gaza’s population has been displaced by the Israeli military campaign, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel. Displaced families are living in squalid tent camps with limited access to food and other essentials.

The situation worsened after the United Nations halted aid deliveries through Gaza’s main crossing, citing security risks from armed looters. Food shortages are severe, and experts warn of potential famine in Gaza’s northern regions, which Israeli forces have isolated under claims of targeting regrouped Hamas militants.

Last month, the Israeli military allowed an average of 77 humanitarian trucks to enter Gaza daily. However, aid deliveries remain critically low, and the U.N. reports that less than half reaches Palestinians due to military restrictions, ongoing fighting, and theft.

Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP), stated that the organization could assist only 300,000 Palestinians in November, far below the need. “Hunger is becoming another devastating weapon in this conflict,” Skau warned.

In the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, displaced Palestinians lined up at makeshift bakeries for scarce loaves of bread. Soaring flour prices and limited supplies forced bakers to ration bread, leaving families struggling to feed themselves.

Progress on captives

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed his parliament on Monday of “some progress” in negotiations to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza after 14 months of captivity.

Speaking in parliament Netanyahu emphasized the government’s commitment, stating, “Everything we are doing cannot be disclosed. We are taking action to bring them back. I wish to say cautiously that there has been some progress, and we will not stop acting until we bring them all home.” He also reassured hostage families, saying, “We are thinking of you and we will not give up on your loved ones, who are our loved ones as well.”

The comments follow a rare joint statement from Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, declaring that “the possibility of reaching an agreement (for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal) is closer than ever, provided the enemy stops imposing new conditions.” Indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States recently resumed in Doha, sparking hope for a resolution.

Critics, however, accuse Netanyahu of delaying truce talks, alleging that his actions aim to placate far-right coalition partners. Hostage families have also questioned the sincerity of the Israeli government’s negotiation efforts.

During the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, 251 people were abducted; 96 remain hostages in Gaza, with 34 of them declared dead by the military.

Trump’s ultimatum

Earlier, President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, made a bold declaration on social media, demanding the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. “If they are not freed before I take office in January, there will be HELL TO PAY,” Trump warned, adding that those responsible would face unprecedented consequences.

Though the nature of his threat was unclear, it raised speculation about potential U.S. military involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Trump’s statement followed confirmation by Israeli authorities of the death of Omer Neutra, a U.S.-Israeli citizen, whose remains are believed to be in Hamas custody. The Biden administration continues diplomatic efforts to facilitate the hostages’ release and mediate between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office refrained from commenting on Trump’s ultimatum, but President Isaac Herzog welcomed the firm stance.