The Gaza Strip is currently engulfed in some of the deadliest fighting since the start of the war, as Israel expands its offensive just days after a UN security council resolution called for more aid and an urgent ceasefire. Health officials in the Hamas-controlled enclave reported that over 100 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Sunday, including at least 70 in bombings that targeted a residential block in the Maghazi refugee camp near Deir al-Balah.

Despite being previously identified by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as an "evacuation zone," Deir al-Balah was also hit overnight. The Palestinian Red Crescent released footage from al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, showing injured and bloodied children covered in rubble. The devastating airstrikes resulted in dozens of white body bags being seen at the scene.

Ahmad Turkomani, who lost several family members including his daughter and grandson, spoke of the horrifying incident, stating, "We were all targeted. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway." The Israeli military has announced that it is reviewing the Maghazi incident.

These latest casualties come after the Gaza health ministry reported earlier on Sunday that Israeli airstrikes had killed 166 Palestinians in just 24 hours, making it one of the deadliest days in the 12-week-long conflict. Since Israel declared war in response to an attack by Hamas on October 7th, more than 20,400 Palestinians have been killed.

In a show of solidarity with the people of Gaza, Christmas celebrations across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories have been canceled. Reverend Louis Salman expressed his frustration, saying, "Bethlehem is sad and dark. There are no decorations, no carols or a Christmas tree. I blame the decision-makers who watch what is happening to the children of Gaza and do nothing."

While the war has taken a toll on Gaza, with thousands of Palestinians losing their lives, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Sunday that Israel has also suffered a "very heavy cost." 156 Israeli soldiers have been killed in intense ground skirmishes with Hamas since Friday.

Hamas has been using various tactics, including IEDs, ambushes, and a vast tunnel network, to inflict significant losses on the Israel Defense Forces. Their knowledge of the densely populated urban territory has aided their efforts.

Despite the UN security council resolution passed on Friday, calling for urgent action towards a ceasefire, fighting on the ground has only intensified. Israel has expanded its operations into the southern half of the Gaza Strip, causing concern for the safety of the 2.3 million residents that remain.

The UN has issued warnings that a quarter of the population is starving, and the current increase in aid is insufficient to meet the needs of the people facing harsh winter conditions. Even the aid that does arrive in Gaza faces challenges in distribution due to ongoing fighting and the lack of fuel and usable roads.

On Monday, details emerged of a ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas. However, it remains to be seen whether the initiative is viable. Talks mediated by Qatar, which led to a seven-day ceasefire in November and a prisoner exchange, have stalled.

Israel's security cabinet was expected to discuss the Egyptian plan on Monday night. Hamas has rejected proposals that do not involve a complete ceasefire.

The international community, including the United States, has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The US has urged Israeli officials to shift their approach from large-scale operations to a more targeted focus on Hamas leaders. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will continue its offensive until "complete victory" over Hamas is achieved.

The families of the more than 100 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza watched Netanyahu's speech from the parliamentary gallery, passionately calling for a resolution while holding signs that read, "Now!"