In the Gaza Strip, overnight air strikes by Israel tragically killed at least 22 people, including five children, according to medical officials in Palestine. On the same day, Israeli authorities allowed a Catholic leader, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, to enter Gaza and hold a special Christmas Mass for the small Christian community there.
One of the air strikes hit a school in Gaza City that was sheltering displaced families, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people, including three children. The Israeli military claimed it was targeting Hamas fighters who were hiding there. Another strike in the city of Deir al-Balah tragically killed at least eight people, including three women and two children. Hospitals reported that six more people lost their lives in separate attacks on Sunday.
The fighting between Israel and Hamas has continued for over 14 months. Israel says it only targets militants but often innocent women and children are killed. Peace talks about a possible ceasefire have stalled, with many issues that still need to be resolved, including the release of hostages.
On the other hand, a Christmas Mass was held in Gaza City with many worshippers attending despite the ongoing violence. Cardinal Pizzaballa talked about celebrating light during Christmas, even as the sound of Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Pope Francis had criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them cruel and stating that children were suffering. He has urged an investigation into whether Israel’s actions could be seen as genocide, a claim Israel strongly rejects.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023, after a surprise attack by Hamas that killed around 1,200 people in Israel, Israel’s actions have resulted in the deaths of over 45,000 people in Gaza, including many women and children. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, many living in terrible conditions in tent camps as winter arrives.
In the West Bank, violence also erupted when militants shot and killed a member of the Palestinian security forces in the town of Jenin, highlighting the ongoing conflicts in the region. The Palestinian Authority has limited control in the West Bank but is unpopular among many Palestinians.
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