Explosions and rocket attacks shook the entire Gaza Strip throughout the night into Tuesday, January 2, following a warning from the Israeli army that its conflict with Hamas in the region will continue until 2024.
Nearly three months of fighting have resulted in almost 22,000 casualties in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, causing significant damage to the besieged region.
Despite widespread global calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli forces pursue the heavy bombardments of Gaza. On Monday, military spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that the army is gearing up for “prolonged fighting” expected to continue “throughout this year.”
Thus, Monday night into Tuesday morning witnessed missiles targeting the southern city of Rafah and shelling near the Jabalia refugee camp in the north. Fighting was also reported in central areas such as Maghazi and Bureij, as well as the main southern city of Khan Yunis.
Gaza resident Sami Hamouda, 64, described 2023 as “the worst year of our lives.”
Eyewitnesses in northern Gaza reported Israeli forces leaving several areas around Gaza City on Monday, likely indicating redeployment rather than permanent withdrawal.
Hagari emphasized that the Israeli army is adjusting the deployment of forces in Gaza, including reserve soldiers, anticipating continued fighting.
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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant mentioned that residents of some towns and villages near the Gaza border, evacuated since the October 7 attacks, “will soon be able to return home.”
Since the war’s onset, Gazans have faced severe shortages of food, water, fuel and medicine due to the imposed siege, partially alleviated by aid trucks—around 120 of which entered on Sunday. The UN reports that 85 percent of the territory’s population has been displaced since the conflict began.
In the West Bank, violence has surged, with over 300 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers since October. Israeli raids occurred in various West Bank cities overnight, including Ramallah, Jericho, Jenin, and Qalqilya, resulting in injuries. According to Israeli watchdog Yesh Din, 2023 marked the “most violent” year for settler attacks in the territory since its occupation in 1967, both in the number of incidents and their severity.
Miroslava Salazar, with AFP
