Further Attacks on Gaza Following Israel’s Declaration of Extended Conflict into 2024

The Gaza Strip experienced intense shelling and missile strikes overnight into Tuesday, following a warning from the Israeli army that its conflict with Hamas, the territory’s ruling faction, will continue through 2024.

Since the conflict’s onset three months ago, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported nearly 22,000 casualties, with extensive destruction across the besieged area. Despite global calls for a ceasefire, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated on Monday that the army is bracing for extended combat expected to last the entire year.

Residents in various parts of Gaza, including Rafah in the south, Jabalia in the north, and central areas like Maghazi and Bureij, reported missile strikes and shelling. In Khan Yunis, the main southern city, intense fighting was also reported.

Sami Hamouda, a 64-year-old resident of Gaza, described 2023 as the worst year, marked by relentless bombings and mass casualties. The current war was triggered by Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7, which led to approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, based on an AFP tally using official figures. Additionally, about 250 people were taken hostage by the militants, with more than half still in Gaza, as per Israeli officials.

Israel’s offensive, aimed at dismantling Hamas, has left vast areas of Gaza in ruins and resulted in at least 21,978 deaths, predominantly women and children, as stated by Gaza’s health ministry. The Israeli army reports that 173 of its soldiers have died in the conflict. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.

Witnesses in northern Gaza observed Israeli forces withdrawing from some areas around Gaza City, suggesting a possible redeployment. Hagari mentioned that the Israeli army is adjusting its force deployment, including reserve soldiers, in preparation for continued fighting.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that residents of towns and villages near the Gaza border, many of which have been evacuated, might soon return home.

Since the war’s beginning, Gazans have faced severe shortages of basic necessities, slightly alleviated by aid deliveries. The United Nations reports that 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced.

In the town of Rafah, residents like Mostafa Shennar, 43, spoke of bleak living conditions, while others like barber Tamer al-Shaer strive to continue their livelihoods amid the devastation.

Regarding a potential ceasefire, a Hamas delegation recently visited Egypt to discuss a new plan. US news outlet Axios reported that Hamas proposed a new hostage exchange deal to Israel through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. This proposal, deemed unacceptable by the Israeli war cabinet, suggested phases linked to pauses in fighting and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli troops, aiming to end the war.

Meanwhile, violence has escalated in the occupied West Bank, with over 300 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers since October. Israeli raids were reported in various West Bank cities, including Ramallah, Jericho, Jenin, and Qalqilya, with injuries reported in Qalqilya and Jenin. Israeli watchdog Yesh Din noted 2023 as the most violent year for settler attacks in the West Bank since its occupation in 1967.