The Israeli military says 14 soldiers have been killed some of the bloodiest days of battle in Gaza since the start of Israel’s ground offensive in late October. The mounting death toll among troops is an important factor in Israeli public support for the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war "exacts a very heavy price from us but we have no choice but to continue fighting.” Health officials say more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. As Christmas Eve fell, smoke rose over Gaza while Bethlehem in the West Bank was hushed, its holiday celebrations called off.
