The death toll in Gaza has now exceeded 52,000, according to Palestinian officials, as Israel continues its intense offensive following the end of a ceasefire in March. The latest figures, provided by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, include nearly 700 newly documented bodies. The situation remains dire, with hospitals receiving the remains of 51 Palestinians over the last 24 hours due to Israeli airstrikes.
The violence erupted again when Israel launched a surprise bombardment on Gaza on March 18, ending a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. Since then, Israel has intensified airstrikes and deployed ground forces, taking control of about 50% of Gaza. In addition, Israel has enforced a severe blockade, cutting off essential supplies, including food and medicine, leaving Gaza’s 2 million residents struggling to survive. Aid groups warn that vital supplies will soon run out, leaving thousands of children malnourished.
With basic foodstuffs like meat, milk, and vegetables now scarce, many Palestinians, like Mariam al-Najjar and her family, are forced to survive on rice, pasta, and canned vegetables. Al-Najjar expressed her despair over the lack of nutritious food, highlighting the dire situation faced by civilians in the region.
The ongoing conflict stems from Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, which led to the abduction of 251 hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is defeated or disarmed, and all hostages are returned. Hamas, however, has demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before it will consider freeing the remaining hostages.
Amid the fighting, efforts to broker peace continue. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently stated that talks with Hamas indicate a willingness for a broader agreement beyond a ceasefire, which may offer a path to a lasting resolution.
While the war’s toll on Palestinian civilians is heavy, with women and children among the majority of the dead, Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 militants, though evidence for this figure has not been provided. Israel insists that it targets Hamas militants but blames the group's tactics of operating in densely populated areas for the high civilian casualties.
As the death toll climbs and conditions worsen, the international community remains concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the prospects for peace.
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