The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza has reached a devastating milestone, with over 45,000 Palestinians reported dead, according to Palestinian health officials. As ceasefire negotiations show tentative progress, human suffering continues to mount.
Escalating Casualties in Gaza
Gaza’s Health Ministry announced on Monday that over 50 additional deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. Since the war began, 45,028 Palestinians have been killed and another 106,962 injured. Officials caution that the real figures may be even higher, as many bodies remain buried under rubble. According to the ministry, over half of the fatalities are women and children.
This conflict is the deadliest in the history of the Israel-Hamas wars, with casualties now representing roughly 2% of Gaza’s prewar population of 2.3 million. The Israeli military claims it has killed more than 17,000 militants but has not provided evidence to support these numbers.
Civilians in the Crossfire
The recent airstrikes highlight the devastating impact on civilian lives. Palestinian medics reported that an Israeli strike in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighborhood killed 10 people, including an entire family of four. Israel argues that Hamas operates from civilian areas, making civilian casualties unavoidable. However, rights groups have criticized Israel for insufficient efforts to minimize harm to civilians.
A separate strike in Khan Younis hit a school, killing 13 people, including six children. Louise Wateridge, a spokesperson for the UN relief agency for Palestinians, visited survivors. “One girl described how their mother’s bones were crushed under the rubble,” said Wateridge, adding that the mother’s five daughters survived but were severely injured.
Mourning a Journalist’s Death
In the Nuseirat refugee camp, hundreds gathered to mourn Ahmad Baker Al-Louh, a journalist killed during a strike on Gaza’s civil defense agency. Al Jazeera reported that Al-Louh, 39, was covering rescue operations when he died. Three civil defense workers were also killed in the strike.
The Israeli military alleged that the strike targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants operating in the area, accusing Al-Louh of ties to Islamic Jihad. His family and colleagues refuted these claims. “These claims are lies and misleading to cover up this crime,” said Mahmoud al-Lawh, the journalist’s cousin.
Renewed Efforts for Ceasefire
Diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States attempt to broker a ceasefire after 14 months of fighting. While challenges persist, mediators have expressed optimism about a potential agreement to halt the bloodshed.
The Israel-Hamas war continues to exact a devastating toll, with civilian lives bearing the brunt of the conflict. As the international community pushes for a ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza underscores the urgent need for a lasting resolution.
