In one of the deadliest strikes of the ongoing conflict, at least 70 people were killed in Gaza on Sunday, while 15 Israeli soldiers lost their lives in combat over the weekend. The strike targeted the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah, leaving behind a scene of devastation and desperation.

According to Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll is expected to rise as more victims are discovered and rescued from the rubble. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident.

Frantic Palestinians rushed to the nearby hospital, carrying the dead and wounded, including a baby. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as one bloodied young girl looked stunned while her body was examined for injuries and broken bones.

Ahmad Turokmani, who tragically lost several family members in the strike, including his daughter and grandson, expressed the fear and helplessness felt by many Gazans. He stated, "We were all targeted. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway."

Meanwhile, as the Christmas Eve approached, the smoke of destruction covered the besieged Gaza Strip, while Bethlehem in the neighboring West Bank remained hushed as holiday celebrations were called off. In Egypt, tentative efforts were made towards a deal for the exchange of hostages held by Israel for Palestinian prisoners.

The death toll among Israeli troops has reached 154 since the start of the ground offensive. This mounting number of casualties could potentially strain public support for the war, which was initially sparked by Hamas-led militants attacking communities in southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of 1,200 people and the taking of 240 hostages.

The devastating effects of the war have ravaged Gaza, claiming the lives of approximately 20,400 Palestinians and displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million. In the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported 166 additional deaths in the beleaguered coastal enclave.

Despite rising international pressure against Israel's offensive and the dire suffering endured by Palestinians, the majority of Israelis still stand behind the government's goals of crushing Hamas' governance and military capabilities, as well as securing the release of the remaining 129 captives.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the heavy price being paid by Israel, but emphasized the necessity of continuing the fight. "The war exacts a very heavy price from us, but we have no choice but to continue fighting," he stated.

Criticism has been directed at Netanyahu's government for its failure to protect civilians and its policies that have allowed Hamas to grow in strength over the years. However, Netanyahu has so far avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures.

As the conflict persists, the Israeli military announced that it had completed the dismantling of Hamas' underground headquarters in northern Gaza. This is part of a broader operation aimed at destroying the extensive tunnel network and eliminating top Hamas commanders, which Israeli leaders have estimated could take months.

Efforts towards negotiations are ongoing, with representatives from Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas engaging in talks in Egypt. The exchange of hostages is being considered, but Hamas has insisted that it will only consider it once the fighting ends.

The civilian death toll and alleged mistreatment of Palestinian detainees have drawn international condemnation towards Israel. Israel, however, places the blame on Hamas, citing their use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas militants through thousands of airstrikes conducted since October 7.

The United Nations Security Council recently passed a resolution calling for the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians and the release of all hostages. However, it remains unclear how and when aid deliveries will increase, as supplies currently fall far below the average daily requirement prior to the war.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has reiterated the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, highlighting the tragic consequences of the decimated Gaza health system.

In a separate development, the Iran-backed Houthis claim responsibility for attacks targeting Israel-linked ships, which they say is their response to the Israeli offensive in Gaza.