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The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has reached a devastating milestone as the death toll surpasses 30,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This grim figure, reported since the outbreak of violence on October 7, highlights the catastrophic impact of the war on the densely populated territory.
The majority of those killed are reported to be women and children, underscoring the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The health ministry’s figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, making it difficult to assess the exact toll on non-combatants.
In the past 24 hours alone, 81 additional fatalities were recorded, bringing the total to 30,035. However, the actual number of casualties is likely much higher, as many victims remain buried under rubble or have not reached medical facilities for treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been collaborating closely with Gaza’s health authorities to collect and analyse data on casualties. While the ministry’s figures are used by international bodies, including the UN, concerns have been raised about the increasing number of civilian deaths, particularly among women and children.
Israel’s military has stated that approximately 10,000 of those killed were terrorists, but has not provided further details on the breakdown of casualties. The difficulty in accurately assessing the situation is compounded by the challenging conditions on the ground, including damaged infrastructure and limited access to medical care.
The Gaza health ministry’s reporting also highlights the indirect consequences of the conflict, with cases of deaths due to dehydration and malnutrition reported in hospitals. The UN has warned of a looming famine in Gaza, with a quarter of the population at risk, exacerbated by shortages of essential supplies and medical care.
Efforts to retrieve bodies and locate missing persons are ongoing, with international organisations and rights groups expected to conduct investigations into the conflict’s impact on civilians. However, the immediate priority remains addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of those affected by the violence.
As the conflict persists, the toll on civilians continues to mount, underscoring the need for a sustainable ceasefire and concerted international efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
