Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza on December 19th, killing over two dozen Palestinians, as efforts to broker a ceasefire remained stalled. The strikes targeted southern and central Gaza, including a hospital, as Israel and Hamas engaged in fierce fighting in Gaza City.
Over 90 Killed in Jabalia Refugee Camp Strike
In one of the deadliest attacks, Israeli missiles slammed into the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza on December 16th, killing more than 90 Palestinians and wounding hundreds, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The strike hit a crowded residential area where thousands of displaced residents were taking shelter. Victims included whole families and at least 13 children. Bodies were rushed to hospitals that were already overwhelmed.
“The scope of the Israeli bombing in Jabalia was horrific. Missiles struck a busy market street as people were out getting food and other necessities. It’s one of the deadliest attacks I’ve witnessed,” said a Palestinian reporter in Jabalia.
The Jabalia strike came just days after other Israeli attacks killed over a dozen Palestinians at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Rights groups warned the camps remain dangerously overcrowded and vulnerable, as nearly 2 million Gazans have been displaced by the ongoing violence.
Battles Rage in Gaza City Streets
Fierce battles erupted on the streets of Gaza City on December 19th-20th as Israeli troops clashed with Hamas militants. Tank and artillery fire slammed buildings as soldiers went house to house. At least 16 Palestinians were reportedly killed in the fighting.
“It was nonstop bombardment, with missiles and machine guns. We fled our home and saw dead bodies in the road,” said one Gaza City resident.
Hamas said its fighters destroyed three Israeli armored vehicles in the clashes and launched dozens of rockets at Israeli border towns in retaliation, setting off air raid sirens. At least five Israelis were reportedly injured.
The street battles came despite international calls for calm and highlighted the rapidly deteriorating situation as ceasefire efforts remained stalled.
“The devastation across Gaza is only mounting. Israel appears dead-set on continuing its military campaign, with U.S. backing,” noted Palestinian PM Rami Hamdallah.
Israel Strikes South Gaza, Raids Hospital
Along with the Gaza City fighting, Israel unleashed more airstrikes across southern Gaza on December 19th, killing over two dozen people. The strikes hit homes and farmland, leaving families buried in rubble.
Israel also bombed and raided a hospital in northern Gaza during an airstrike, forcing medical staff and patients to evacuate. Rights groups strongly condemned targeting medical infrastructure that is vital to wounded civilians.
“It was clearly a war crime to bomb a functioning hospital full of injured people already reeling from this nightmare. The utter disregard for Palestinian lives has been appalling,” stated Omar Shakir of Human Rights Watch.
Israeli officials claimed the hospital was being used by militants but provided no evidence. Meanwhile funerals for the dozens killed in recent strikes proceeded across Gaza as despair grew.
“Burying our young children feels unbearable. But we have no choice with the bombs falling every day,” lamented Khalil al-Hayya, a resident of Khan Younis in southern Gaza who lost family members.
Ceasefire Efforts Remain Stalled
Hopes for a ceasefire remained stalled as the U.N. Security Council again delayed a vote on demanding an immediate halt to Gaza hostilities. It was the third delay on calling for a truce.
The U.S. reportedly objected to the U.N draft resolution and has firmly backed Israel’s right to self-defense without urging restraint or concessions in return, to growing international frustration.
“The world is desperate for an end to the bloodshed but the U.S. refuses to demand Israel stop its ruthless attacks. It’s enabling the carnage,” said the E.U. ambassador.
With ceasefire efforts deadlocked, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that military operations would continue at full force despite heavy casualties.
“We will do whatever it takes to degrade Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure and protect our people. We are as committed as ever to this military campaign,” Netanyahu stated.
Gaza Death Toll Nears 20,000
After over 70 days of conflict, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported the Palestinian death toll was nearing 20,000, including over 5,000 children, with tens of thousands more injured. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble.
Rights groups warned Gaza’s humanitarian situation is dire, with hospitals overwhelmed and shortages growing more acute by the day. Most residents have little access to clean water, food, electricity or medical care.
“Gaza has become unlivable. If bombings continue it will be a matter of survival,” the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Gaza and the West Bank warned, as fears grew of a new exodus.
With peace efforts stalled, the U.N. urged Israel to at minimum avoid civilian targets. But based on the military escalations, relief seems far off for Gaza’s beleaguered population.
“I don’t know how much more we can endure. Perhaps the world has forgotten about us as the bombs never cease,” said 32-year-old Rateb Sweiti, a father of three in Gaza City whose home was destroyed.
| Type | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Reported Palestinian Deaths | Nearly 20,000 |
| Palestinian Children Killed | Over 5,000 |
| Palestinians Displaced | Nearly 2 million |
| Palestinians Injured | Tens of Thousands |
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