The Israeli Military Announces Continuation of Gaza Conflict into 2024

Israel has alerted that its conflict with Hamas is anticipated to extend through 2024, as continuous airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the death of two dozen individuals, and in retaliation, Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at midnight.

Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israeli military, indicated in a New Year’s message that some of the 300,000 army reservists might have a temporary respite from the war to prepare for the extended combat expected in the year.

Hagari pointed out that the military needs to be ready for additional responsibilities and warfare, as the fighting, sparked by Hamas’s attacks on October 7, continues.

Intense artillery fire in Gaza, governed by Hamas, led to at least 24 fatalities, according to local health ministry officials. The attacks spanned the entire territory.

Hamdan Abu Arab, a 20-year-old resident of the besieged Gaza Strip, expressed hope for a better year in 2024, contrasting the current New Year’s Eve filled with missiles and destruction.

In what Hamas described as a retaliation to civilian massacres, it initiated the new year with a rocket attack on Israel. In Tel Aviv, missile defense systems intercepted rockets, causing mixed reactions among the people, with some seeking shelter and others continuing their celebrations.

The deadliest Gaza war to date, triggered by Hamas’ attacks in southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in about 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, based on an AFP tally from official Israeli sources.

Hamas also took approximately 250 hostages on that day, with more than half still in Gaza, as per Israeli officials.

Israel’s objective to dismantle Hamas has led to a heavy offensive, devastating vast areas of Gaza and causing at least 21,822 deaths, predominantly women and children, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry.

The Israeli army reported the loss of 172 soldiers in Gaza during the battle against Hamas, labeled a “terrorist” organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the conflict would continue for “many months” until Hamas is defeated and the hostages are returned.

Hagari mentioned that the military is adjusting its force deployment and reserve system in Gaza. Some reservists will return home this week, lightening the economic burden and allowing them to rest for upcoming operations.

Since the beginning of the war, Gazans have faced severe shortages of essentials like food, water, fuel, and medicine. The United Nations and the World Health Organization have expressed concern over the extreme human suffering and the potential for hunger and disease.

Bassam Hana, 29, a resident of Gaza, spoke about the hardships faced and the hope for improvement in 2024.

Over the weekend, at least 48 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City strikes, with many still trapped under rubble.

Hagari noted that in a recent operation in Khan Yunis, militants were subdued or killed, and efforts continue to target underground tunnels and rocket launchers to reduce rocket fire into Israel.

The ongoing Gaza war has raised concerns about a larger regional conflict, with tensions escalating with Iran-backed militant groups in neighboring countries supporting Hamas.

The Israeli army reported intercepting hostile aircraft from Syria and targeting militant groups in Lebanon. The U.S. military also engaged Iran-backed Huthi rebel boats in the Red Sea, resulting in casualties.

Hamas representatives from Qatar discussed an Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire in Cairo, while their allies, Islamic Jihad, are reviewing the proposal and will respond soon.