Summary:
In the Gaza Strip, hospitals reported receiving the remains of 51 Palestinians due to Israeli airstrikes over 24 hours, escalating the ongoing conflict’s death toll to 52,243 since its onset 18 months ago. Following the termination of a ceasefire on March 18, Israel intensified its bombardment and has since encircled the southern city of Rafah, gaining control of approximately 50% of Gaza. The blockade has severely restricted supplies, cutting off food and medicine to the 2 million inhabitants for nearly 60 days, with aid organizations warning of looming shortages and widespread malnutrition among children.
Recent updates indicate that the toll includes nearly 700 bodies recently documented, with continued casualties occurring, such as 12 additional deaths reported after a strike in Khan Younis, which claimed eight lives, including children, and another four in Deir al-Balah. The Israeli government insists that its military actions are intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages taken during the conflict’s initiation on October 7, 2023. Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until Hamas is disarmed and all hostages are returned.
Hamas, meanwhile, has stated that it will only consider releasing the remaining 59 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The conflict has primarily affected women and children, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 2,151 deaths and 5,598 injuries since the renewal of hostilities last month. Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 militants, attributing civilian casualties to Hamas’s operations in densely populated areas. The conflict has devastated Gaza, displacing roughly 90% of its residents.
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