18-12-2023 (GAZA) Israel opened a direct aid crossing into Gaza for the first time since the initiation of its two-month-long conflict with Hamas. This move, however, was juxtaposed with heightened military attacks on the Palestinian enclave, with Israeli authorities asserting that military pressure was imperative for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The explosions and assaults were reported throughout the coastal strip, leaving residents and militants grappling with communication breakdowns, complicating rescue efforts for the wounded.
Hopes for peace were briefly ignited when Israel’s spy chief reportedly engaged in discussions with the Prime Minister of Qatar on Friday, a nation that has historically mediated hostage releases and ceasefires. Yet, the situation remained complex as Israel and Hamas expressed openness to renewed ceasefires and hostage releases, albeit with lingering disagreements on implementation methods.
In a positive gesture, the Kerem Shalom crossing, facilitating aid between Israel and Gaza, resumed operations on Sunday. This marked the first time since the outbreak of the conflict, aiming to double the inflow of essential food and medicine to Gaza’s residents.
Despite these conciliatory actions, Israeli authorities reiterated their commitment to eradicating Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2006 and is openly hostile to Israel’s existence.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari affirmed this stance, stating, “It is important for me to make clear, the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) is determined to complete the task of dismantling Hamas.”
Amid these declarations, deadly strikes continued unabated. Israeli attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp resulted in the tragic loss of 90 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry spokesman. Another missile attack on a house claimed 24 lives, including the son of Dawoud Shehab, spokesperson of Hamas-ally Islamic Jihad.
The accidental killing of three hostages on Friday intensified pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the release of the remaining captives. However, Hamas insisted that negotiations would only be considered if Israeli aggression ceased completely.
The funeral of one of the deceased hostages, 26-year-old Alon Shamriz, drew hundreds in central Israel. Signs reading “S.O.S.” and “help, three hostages” were discovered on the walls of a Gaza building where the hostages had been hiding before their tragic deaths.
As the conflict rages on, the toll continues to rise, with the Israeli military reporting 121 soldiers killed since the ground campaign began on October 27. Netanyahu, reading a letter from the relatives of fallen soldiers, emphasized a commitment to fight until the end.
