The Gaza conflict has resulted in devastating consequences, with entire families killed in Christmas Eve strikes on a refugee camp. The relentless Israeli strikes have caused widespread destruction in the Palestinian territory, escalating tensions across the Middle East and prompting global pressure for a ceasefire.

In an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his commitment to continuing the current course of action. He emphasized the need to destroy Hamas, demilitarize Gaza, and deradicalize Palestinian society as prerequisites for peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza. Netanyahu proposed the establishment of a temporary security zone on the perimeter of the territory and asserted that Israel would retain overriding security responsibility over Gaza for the foreseeable future.

Netanyahu's visit to Gaza was followed by a statement to his Likud party, where he declared an intensification of the fighting in the coming days, emphasizing that they were not stopping. The conflict began when Palestinian militants breached the militarized border and attacked southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel responded with a retaliatory military campaign, including extensive aerial bombardment and a siege of the territory, leading to a significant loss of life, particularly among women and children.

The war's impact was evident as residents of Al-Maghazi refugee camp returned to the ruins of their homes after strikes that claimed numerous lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) staff visited a hospital treating victims of the strikes, hearing harrowing accounts from health workers and victims, including the loss of entire families and children. The Israeli army stated that it was reviewing the incident and committed to international law, including minimizing harm to civilians.

The conflict has left vast areas of Gaza in ruins, with its population enduring dire shortages of essential resources. Gazans are facing real hunger, and many have been displaced, seeking shelter in crowded conditions. The head of the UN refugee agency called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza as the only way forward. Netanyahu expressed readiness to support the voluntary migration of civilians out of the Gaza Strip, a plan rejected by Hamas.

Netanyahu also addressed parliament about the hostages Israel says remain in Gaza, stating that Israeli forces needed more time to increase military pressure on Hamas to secure their release. The conflict has also raised fears of regional escalation, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reporting an Israeli airstrike in Syria that killed one of its advisers. Additionally, Yemen's Huthi rebels, also Iran-backed, have targeted cargo vessels in the Red Sea, leading to increased tensions.

Naijamatta is a social networking site,

download Naijamatta from Google play store or visit www.naijamatta.com to register. You can post, comment, do voice and video call, join and open group, go live etc. Join Naijamatta family, the Green app.