Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 12 as War Extends into 2025/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli airstrikes killed 12 people, including women and children, in Gaza as the war with Hamas continues into its 15th month. With over 45,000 Palestinians killed and widespread displacement, winter has worsened living conditions for millions in the strip. Efforts for a ceasefire remain stalled.
War in Gaza: Quick Looks
- Deadly Airstrikes: Israeli strikes killed 12 Palestinians in Gaza, including seven in Jabaliya.
- Civilians Targeted: Women and children were among the fatalities in densely populated areas.
- Hostage Stalemate: Around 100 hostages remain in Gaza; mediation efforts have stalled.
- Humanitarian Crisis: Winter conditions exacerbate hardships for displaced Gazans living in tents.
- Israeli Emigration Concerns: Net departures for the second year spark fears of a “brain drain.”
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 12 as War Extends into 2025
Deep Look
The Gaza war, now in its 15th month, began with the Hamas-led assault on Israel in October 2023, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages taken into Gaza. As 2025 begins, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with Israeli airstrikes killing 12 Palestinians on Wednesday.
Strikes on Jabaliya and Beyond
The Israeli military cited rocket fire from militants as the reason for the strikes, targeting what it claimed were militant positions. However, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported the majority of casualties as civilians, intensifying criticism of Israel’s tactics in the densely populated region.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Gaza’s population of 2.3 million faces dire conditions, with 90% displaced due to relentless bombings. Many live in makeshift tents as temperatures drop, and winter rains worsen the situation. At least six infants and one other person have died from hypothermia, highlighting the growing humanitarian toll.
International mediators have struggled to broker a ceasefire or secure a comprehensive hostage release, with efforts repeatedly collapsing. Hamas demands a lasting truce, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue fighting for “total victory.”
Broader Implications: Israeli Emigration Trends
Amid the prolonged conflict, Israel has reported a second consecutive year of net emigration. In 2024, over 82,000 Israelis moved abroad, while only 33,000 immigrated to the country. Analysts warn this trend could lead to a “brain drain,” particularly in fields like medicine and technology.
Discipline Issues in Military Operations
Separately, the Israeli military faced scrutiny after the death of archaeologist Zeev Erlich and a soldier in Lebanon. Erlich, a prominent settler and historian, entered a combat zone in November and was killed in a Hezbollah ambush. The military attributed the incident to “operational burnout” and has launched investigations into the circumstances.
What Lies Ahead?
The Gaza conflict remains entrenched, with neither side showing signs of backing down. International efforts to end the violence have stalled, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows increasingly dire as winter deepens.
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