The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified, with the death toll in Gaza reaching 37,296 and the number of injuries totaling 85,197 since the offensive began on October 7, 2023. In the last 24 hours alone, Israeli military operations have resulted in at least 30 Palestinian deaths and 95 injuries. Rescue efforts have been hampered, with approximately 12,000 bodies reported trapped under rubble. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the World Health Organization warning of catastrophic hunger conditions, affecting particularly 8,000 children under the age of five diagnosed with acute malnutrition and displacing over 85% of the population, amounting to 1.9 million people .In a separate development, eight Israeli soldiers were killed in Rafah in the deadliest incident for the Israeli Defense Forces in the Strip since January. The soldiers were in a Namer armored vehicle hit by an explosion while driving in a convoy. The Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for the ‘mixed ambush’ that led to the deaths and injuries of the Israeli soldiers.The continued violence underscores the dire need for a ceasefire and has increased public pressure on the Israeli government, which is already facing criticism over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service. International calls for Israel to reduce civilian harm in Gaza have grown louder, with the Israeli airstrikes targeting healthcare facilities and hospitals and arresting healthcare workers, leaving services in a catastrophic state. The conflict has now entered its 253rd day, with no signs of abating.
Key points
- Gaza death toll reaches 37,296 with 85,197 injuries since October 7, 2023.
- Eight Israeli soldiers killed in deadliest incident in Rafah since January, Hamas claims responsibility.
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with 1.
9 million displaced and children facing acute malnutrition.
