The Gaza Strip’s Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the death toll in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has surged to at least 39,324.
This announcement comes as the war nears its tenth month, marking one of the deadliest and most prolonged conflicts in recent history.
In a statement, the ministry reported that 66 individuals had been killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of injured to 90,830 since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.
The conflict, which erupted following a series of escalations, has seen unprecedented levels of violence and destruction in the region.
The war has resulted in significant civilian casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The current conflict between Israel and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, began in October 2023.
It was triggered by a combination of long-standing tensions and immediate provocations, including disputed land rights, religious tensions around holy sites, and political instability. This latest round of violence is part of a larger, decades-long conflict over land and sovereignty in the region.
October 2023: Hostilities escalated sharply following mutual accusations of provocations and attacks. Hamas launched a barrage of rockets into Israel, prompting a swift and forceful military response.
Humanitarian Impact: The conflict has led to severe humanitarian consequences. The densely populated Gaza Strip has been particularly hard-hit, with widespread destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure. International organizations have repeatedly called for ceasefires and humanitarian corridors to deliver aid, but these efforts have often been disrupted by ongoing hostilities.
International Response: The international community has expressed grave concern over the escalating death toll and the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Various countries and international bodies have called for an immediate ceasefire and have urged both parties to return to the negotiating table.
Efforts by mediators, including the United Nations and several regional actors, have so far failed to bring about a lasting resolution.
Despite multiple attempts at ceasefires, the fighting has continued, with frequent clashes and airstrikes reported.
The high casualty numbers highlight the intensity and brutality of the conflict. Human rights organizations have documented numerous incidents that may constitute war crimes, adding to the pressure on international bodies to intervene.
The ongoing war has also had severe economic impacts, with many businesses and livelihoods destroyed. The blockade of Gaza, imposed by Israel and Egypt, has further restricted the flow of goods and people, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
