Israel persisted with its airstrikes on Gaza on Saturday, asserting its commitment to what it termed a “just war” against Hamas. This comes a day after the United States blocked a UN resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Palestinian territory that has endured over two months of relentless bombardment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed appreciation for the United States’ stance at the United Nations Security Council, stating, “Other countries have to understand that you cannot both support the elimination of Hamas and, at the same time, call for an end to the war, which would prevent the elimination of Hamas. Therefore, Israel will continue its just war.”
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi advocated for intensifying military pressure to defeat Hamas, the Islamist group in power in Gaza. He cited increasing numbers of dead and injured militants, as well as instances of terrorists surrendering, as signs that their network is collapsing and emphasized the need to escalate the pressure.
On Saturday, Israel conducted dozens of airstrikes in the southern regions of Jan Yunis and Rafah, including a strike near displaced persons’ tents in the Al Mawasi sector. Fierce clashes between the Israeli army and Hamas fighters were reported in Gaza City, Jabaliya, and Jan Yunis.
The conflict has heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank, where an Israeli operation on Friday resulted in the deaths of six Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Authority.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, approximately 17,700 people have died and 48,780 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes and ground operations. Over half of the houses in Gaza are destroyed or damaged, and 1.9 million people have been displaced, according to the UN.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian nightmare” and warned that the population is on the brink of an “abyss.”
The United States’ veto of the resolution drew criticism, with Hamas deeming it “immoral and inhumane,” accusing the US of direct participation in the “massacres.” Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas held the US responsible for the bloodshed of Palestinian children in Gaza.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the UN Security Council, asserting that it has become a “Council for the Protection of Israel.” The US veto has fueled anger among Gaza residents, who question the effectiveness of UN resolutions in addressing their plight.
Israeli airstrikes paused only during the one-week ceasefire that commenced on November 24, negotiated with the mediation of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Despite the ceasefire, Israel and Hamas engaged in a hostage exchange during which prisoners were swapped for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.
Israel estimates that 138 hostages are still held in Gaza. A recent attempt to free hostages resulted in failure, with two Israeli soldiers wounded. Hamas claimed that one hostage, Sahar Baruch, died during the operation, leading to further tensions in the region.