Death toll in Gaza from Israel-Hamas war passes 44,000, Palestinian officials say

By WAFAA SHURAFA and FATMA KHALED

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — The demise toll within the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old conflict between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000, native well being officers mentioned Thursday.

The Gaza Well being Ministry doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants in its rely, nevertheless it has mentioned that greater than half of the fatalities are ladies and kids. The Israeli navy says it has killed over 17,000 militants, with out offering proof.

The Well being Ministry mentioned 44,056 individuals have been killed and 104,268 wounded for the reason that begin of the conflict. It has mentioned the true toll is larger as a result of hundreds of our bodies are buried beneath rubble or in areas that medics can not entry.

The conflict started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 individuals, largely civilians, and abducting one other 250. Round 100 hostages are nonetheless inside Gaza, no less than a 3rd of whom are believed to be lifeless. Many of the relaxation have been launched throughout a cease-fire final yr.

The Israeli offensive has precipitated heavy destruction throughout extensive areas of the coastal territory, main many to surprise when or the way it will ever be rebuilt. Round 90% of the inhabitants of two.3 million individuals have been displaced, usually a number of occasions, and a whole lot of hundreds live in squalid tent camps with little meals, water or fundamental companies.

Israel says it tries to keep away from harming civilians and blames their deaths on Hamas as a result of the militants function in residential areas, the place they’ve constructed tunnels, rocket launchers and different navy infrastructure.

Palestinian officers and rights teams accuse Israeli forces of conflict crimes and crimes in opposition to humanity, and the United Nations’ prime courtroom is contemplating allegations of genocide introduced by South Africa. The Israeli authorities adamantly denies the allegations, accusing critics of being biased in opposition to it.

In latest weeks, the quantity of humanitarian assist coming into Gaza has plummeted, prompting the USA to threaten to cut back its navy help for Israel earlier than backing down, citing restricted progress. Specialists have warned that remoted, war-ravaged northern Gaza may already be experiencing famine.

The USA, Egypt and Qatar spent months attempting to dealer a cease-fire settlement wherein Hamas would launch the remaining hostages in trade for an finish to the conflict. These talks floor to a halt over the summer season, with Israel and Hamas every accusing the opposite of creating unacceptable calls for.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to finish the wars within the Center East with out saying how. His earlier administration gave unprecedented help to Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-line insurance policies towards the Palestinians.