‘No Xmas as Usual in a Genocide’ as Israel continuous bombing in Gaza

As the world celebrates Christmas, a sombre tone looms over global festivities due to a recent Israeli air attack in central Gaza's al-Maghazi refugee camp. The strike resulted in the tragic loss of at least 70 lives, with the Palestinian Health Ministry stating that the toll is expected to rise.

The camp, one of the most densely-populated areas in the region, has been left devastated, with reports of several houses destroyed and families desperately searching for survivors in the rubble.

Pope Francis, in his Christmas message, lamented that the message of peace, symbolized by the birth of Jesus, is being drowned out by the "futile logic of war" in the very land of his birth.

The pontiff presided over an evening Mass attended by 6,500 people at St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where he expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, casting a shadow over the joyous occasion.

In a coordinated series of "No Xmas as Usual in a Genocide" rallies and marches across the United States, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters waved the pan-Arab colours flag and wore the symbolic Palestinian keffiyeh.

The protests, organized by Shut It Down for Palestine, strategically targeted the second-most popular shopping day of the year, the day before Christmas Eve, aiming for civic and commercial disruptions.

The al-Maghazi camp, previously advised by the Israeli military to evacuate, has now been "completely flattened," according to Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum. He highlighted the civilian casualties, including a two-week-old baby, as a result of what he called a "genocide." This attack follows a similar one on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza last week, where at least 90 people lost their lives.

The situation in Gaza is further exacerbated by the deteriorating medical care system, with the nearest hospital, Al-Aqsa Hospital, rendered non-functional. The continuous bombardment by Israel over the past three months has resulted in more than 20,400 Palestinian casualties since October 7, displacing over 80 per cent of the 2.3 million people residing in Gaza.

Hamas denounced the air attack on the al-Maghazi camp as a "horrific massacre" and a "new war crime." Meanwhile, Israel's military spokesperson's office stated that it is looking into the reports of the attack.

In Bethlehem, the biblical city where Christians believe Jesus was born, Christmas celebrations took a subdued turn. The annual festivities, which typically draw thousands of tourists, were scaled back, with the town cancelling its giant Christmas tree, marching bands, and flamboyant nativity scene, settling for just a few festive lights.

Internationally, Christmas protests resonated as Shut It Down for Palestine declared Israel's assault on Gaza as an act of "incredible cruelty." Social media channels displayed demonstrations in major cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, and Chicago. Protesters voiced their concerns over the conflict, with chants such as "While you're shopping, bombs are dropping."

Despite global pressure, the United Nations Security Council's recent resolution, calling for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of Hamas-held hostages, failed to include a call for an "urgent suspension of hostilities." UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for a humanitarian ceasefire to address the ongoing nightmare in Gaza, citing Israel's control over aid distribution as a significant obstacle.

The Biden administration faces mounting pressure to influence Israel towards a humanitarian ceasefire, with protests intensifying across the United States. However, President Joe Biden, in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, did not explicitly press for a ceasefire, raising questions about the U.S. stance on the conflict.

As the world grapples with the impact of the Israeli air attack during the festive season, the tragic events in Gaza cast a dark shadow over the universal message of peace and goodwill that Christmas represents.