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Recent reports from Palestinian officials indicate that the ongoing conflict in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 52,000 individuals, following Israel’s resumption of military operations after a ceasefire with Hamas was lifted in March.
According to the latest update from the Hamas-controlled health ministry, the total death toll stands at 52,243, which includes nearly 700 recently documented bodies. In the last 24 hours, hospitals in Gaza received the remains of 51 Palestinians, casualties of ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
Since Israel resumed offensives against Hamas with an unexpected bombardment on March 18, daily airstrikes have intensified. Israeli ground forces have expanded their operations into the region, establishing control over approximately 50% of Gaza and encircling the southern city of Rafah as they broaden the buffer zones.
The blockade imposed by Israel has effectively cut off access for the 2 million residents of Gaza to essential supplies, including food and medicine, for almost two months. Humanitarian organizations warn that supplies are dwindling rapidly, leading to severe malnutrition among thousands of children.
Many Palestinians are now relying on basic foods such as canned vegetables, rice, and lentils, while staples like meat, dairy products, and fresh produce have become virtually unavailable. The prices of remaining items have soared, placing them out of reach for the majority.
Mariam al-Najjar expressed her family’s plight: “We can’t get anything that provides any protein or nutrients.”
Israeli officials assert that the renewed military actions and tightened blockade aim to compel Hamas to release hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, assault, which provoked the current hostilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated a commitment to continue military operations until Hamas is fully disbanded or disarmed and all hostages are returned.
Hamas has countered that it will only consider releasing the remaining 59 hostages—of which 24 are believed to still be alive—if there is a deal that exchanges them for Palestinian prisoners, a comprehensive ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as stipulated in a now-defunct ceasefire agreement from January.
Recent diplomatic efforts have emerged, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stating that discussions with Hamas have indicated a potential openness to pursue an agreement that extends beyond merely securing a ceasefire, aiming for a sustainable resolution with Israel.
In the initial attack by Hamas on October 7, approximately 1,200 people were killed, predominantly civilians, and 251 individuals were taken hostage. Many hostages have since been released through ceasefire agreements or negotiations.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the majority of Palestinian casualties consist of women and children, although it does not provide specific figures on the number of militants versus civilians. Furthermore, it notes an additional 117,600 individuals have sustained injuries during the conflict.
Israel claims to have eliminated around 20,000 militants but has not substantiated this figure with evidence. The Israeli military asserts that it strives to minimize civilian casualties, attributing the tragedy of civilian deaths to Hamas’s strategy of operating within densely populated areas.
Crisis in the Middle East
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