Israeli airstrikes kill 78 in Gaza in Christmas bloodshed

 Pope Francis expressed sadness over the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land, where Palestinian health officials reported airstrikes killing at least 78 people on Christmas Eve. The Israeli army has intensified air and ground shelling against al-Bureij in central Gaza, while at least 70 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting Maghazi in central Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported footage of wounded people being transported to hospitals. The Israeli army is reviewing the report and is committed to minimizing harm to civilians. The Palestinian Red Crescent also reported that Israeli warplanes were bombing main roads between central Gaza, hindering ambulances and emergency vehicles. The conflict has intensified since a week-long truce collapsed, with the Israeli military claiming 10 casualties in the past day.