Gaza death toll/ Israel-Hamas conflict/ ceasefire negotiations/ civilian casualties/ humanitarian crisis/ GAZA STRIPE/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The death toll in Gaza from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 45,000, with Palestinian health officials reporting continued civilian casualties. International mediators are working to establish a ceasefire as both sides escalate military actions.
Gaza War Death Toll: Quick Looks
- Mounting Casualties: Over 45,000 deaths reported since the war began, with more than half being women and children.
- Recent Strikes: Israeli airstrikes on a Gaza City home and a Khan Younis school shelter killed multiple families.
- Journalists Targeted: A Palestinian journalist and civil defense workers were killed in Nuseirat; Israel alleges militant activity at the site.
- International Mediation: Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. renew ceasefire talks, citing increased willingness from both sides.
- Israel’s Position: The Israeli military claims Hamas uses civilian areas as shields, a point of contention with rights groups.
Gaza War Death Toll Exceeds 45,000 as Ceasefire Efforts Continue
Deep Look
Death Toll Surpasses 45,000 in Gaza
Palestinian health officials reported Monday that over 45,000 people have died in the Gaza Strip since the conflict erupted 14 months ago. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, women and children constitute more than half of the fatalities. The Israeli military claims to have killed over 17,000 Hamas militants, though evidence for these figures remains undisclosed.
The conflict has devastated Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with fatalities now representing nearly 2% of the prewar population. The Health Ministry noted that the true death toll could be higher due to bodies still trapped under rubble or in inaccessible areas.
Civilian Strikes and Escalating Violence
On Sunday night, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighborhood killed 10 people, including two parents and their children. Hours earlier, a strike on a Khan Younis school-turned-shelter claimed 13 lives, according to Nasser Hospital. Survivors recounted harrowing scenes, including children losing family members and sustaining severe injuries.
Israel stated its attacks targeted Hamas militants operating within civilian infrastructure. “There is nothing we can do. We are already waiting for the next attack,” a local doctor told UNRWA representatives visiting injured children.
Journalists and Rescuers Among Victims
In Nuseirat, an Israeli airstrike on a civil defense site killed journalist Ahmad Baker Al-Louh and three rescue workers. Al Jazeera, his employer, denied Israeli allegations that Al-Louh was affiliated with Islamic Jihad.
The International Federation of Journalists reported that over half of the 104 media workers killed in 2024 lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas war. The civil defense agency also rejected claims that militants were operating from its offices.
“These claims are lies and misleading to cover up this crime,” said Mahmoud al-Lawh, a relative of the journalist.
International Push for Ceasefire
Mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. have intensified as both sides show increased openness to a ceasefire. Negotiations aim to address ongoing violence and the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
The war began with a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Since then, Israel’s relentless military response has reduced large parts of Gaza to rubble.
Global Outcry and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has drawn widespread criticism for its human toll. UN agencies and rights groups have accused Israel of failing to minimize civilian casualties, while Israel maintains that Hamas uses densely populated areas as shields.
In the absence of a ceasefire, Gaza’s population faces continued devastation, with thousands left homeless and dependent on humanitarian aid amid relentless airstrikes.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.