Casualties Rise Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
CAIRO (AP) — In the last 24 hours, hospitals in Gaza reported the arrivals of 79 bodies due to Israeli strikes, according to the Health Ministry. This figure does not account for hospitals in the heavily damaged north, which are currently reported as inaccessible.
Tragic Losses in Medical Community
Among the casualties from Israel’s renewed military actions were nine children from the family of a local doctor, as reported by colleagues and the Health Ministry. Alaa Najjar, a pediatrician at Nasser Hospital, rushed home during her shift to find her house engulfed in flames, according to Ahmad al-Farra, head of the hospital’s pediatric department.
Impact on Families
In this tragic incident, Najjar’s spouse sustained severe injuries, while their only surviving child, an 11-year-old son, remains in critical condition following a strike in Khan Younis. The deceased children were aged between seven months and 12 years, and two remain trapped under debris, as reported by Khalil Al-Dokran, spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israeli Military Response
The Israeli military stated it targeted individuals operating from a structure adjacent to its forces, labeling the Khan Younis area as a “dangerous war zone.” They claimed civilians were evacuated prior to the attack and are reviewing claims regarding civilian casualties.
Escalating Death Toll
As of now, the war’s total death toll has reached 53,901 since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited 19 months of conflict. The Health Ministry reported 3,747 fatalities in Gaza since Israel renewed its military campaign on March 18 to compel Hamas to agree to different ceasefire conditions.
Aid Efforts and Humanitarian Concerns
Following severe restrictions, a limited number of aid trucks have begun to enter Gaza, delivering assistance to its over 2 million residents. However, this influx is significantly lower than the approximately 600 trucks that previously facilitated aid during the ceasefire.
Continued Hostilities and Negotiations
Israel has vowed to continue military actions until Hamas releases all 58 remaining Israeli hostages and disarms. Meanwhile, Hamas has indicated that it will only release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Prime Minister Netanyahu has dismissed these conditions.
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AlJoud reported from Beirut.
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