Fourteen Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in Gaza over the weekend, marking some of the bloodiest days of battle since the ground offensive began. Despite weeks of brutal war, Hamas is still putting up a fight, and the mounting death toll among Israeli troops is likely an important factor in Israeli support for the war. The conflict was sparked when Hamas-led militants stormed communities in southern Israel on October 7th, killing 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages. The war has devastated parts of Gaza, resulting in roughly 20,400 Palestinian deaths and the displacement of nearly 85% of the territory's 2.3 million people.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza reported that 166 people were killed in the coastal enclave over the past day. Despite rising international pressure against Israel's offensive and the soaring death toll among Palestinians, Israelis still stand behind the country's stated goals of crushing Hamas' governing and military capabilities and releasing the remaining 129 captives. However, the growing number of dead soldiers, which now stands at 153 since the ground offensive began, could undermine that support. Soldiers' deaths are a sensitive topic in Israel, given the country's compulsory military service for most Jews.

As Christmas Eve approached, smoke still rose over Gaza from the fighting, while Bethlehem in the West Bank canceled its holiday celebrations. The 14 Israeli soldiers killed on Friday and Saturday died in central and southern Gaza, indicating that Hamas is still putting up tough resistance. According to Israeli Army Radio, four soldiers were killed when their vehicle was struck by an anti-tank missile, while the others were killed in separate fighting. Another soldier was killed in northern Israel by fire from Hezbollah, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that the war exacts a heavy price, but stated that Israel has no choice but to continue fighting. Widespread anger has been directed towards Netanyahu's government, which many criticize for failing to protect civilians on October 7th and promoting policies that allowed Hamas to gain strength over the years. Netanyahu has avoided accepting responsibility for the military and policy failures. On Saturday night, thousands of people demonstrated in Tel Aviv, chanting "Bibi, Bibi, we don't want you anymore," referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

Israel's offensive in Gaza has been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history, with more than two-thirds of the 20,000 Palestinians killed being women and children. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in an Israeli drone attack while inside a hospital in Khan Younis, an area where Hamas leaders are believed to be hiding. An Israeli strike overnight hit a house in a refugee camp west of Rafah, resulting in at least two deaths. Palestinians reported heavy Israeli bombardment and gunfire in Jabaliya, an area that Israel had claimed to control.

Israel has faced heavy international criticism for the civilian death toll, but it places the blame on Hamas for using crowded residential areas and tunnels. The country has launched thousands of airstrikes since October 7th and has refrained from commenting on specific attacks. Israel also faces allegations of mistreating Palestinian detainees, with reports of abuse and beatings by Israeli troops. Israel denies these allegations and claims that those without links to terrorists are quickly released.

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages, but not for a cease-fire. However, it is unclear how and when aid deliveries will accelerate. Israel's allies in Europe have called for a stop to the fighting, but the US, Israel's top ally, remains firmly behind Israel despite intensifying its calls for greater protection for civilians. President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu on Saturday, and while Biden did not ask for a cease-fire, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would continue the war until achieving all its goals.