GAZA CITY: The health ministry in the Gaza Strip reported on Monday that at least 21,978 Palestinian people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the ongoing Israeli bombardments since October 7.
Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra announced the figure during a televised press conference, revealing an additional 156 deaths in the past 24 hours. The toll also includes a staggering 57,697 people wounded in Gaza since the start of the Israeli military campaign.
The situation in the occupied West Bank is equally dire, with the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees declaring 2023 as the deadliest year on record for Palestinians in the region.
According to the agency’s daily situation update as of December 30, 307 Palestinians, including 79 children, have been killed in Israeli military and settler attacks in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since October 7.
Israel Vows to Continue Gaza Bombardment Throughout 2024
Meanwhile, the Israeli army signals a continuation of the Gaza bombardment throughout 2024. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari, in a New Year’s message, asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must plan for sustained operations, anticipating additional tasks and warfare throughout the coming year.
Hagari stressed the need for tens of thousands of reservists to be mobilized for prolonged fighting, emphasizing that the objectives of the war demand such preparations.
“The IDF must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year,” stated Hagari. “The objectives of the war require prolonged fighting, and we are preparing accordingly.” The Israeli army is currently in the process of planning troop deployments for the months ahead.
