Death toll in Israeli strikes on Gaza exceeds 60,300

The death toll from the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip has surpassed 60,300. In the last 24 hours alone, 83 Palestinians were killed in air raids, and at least 554 others were injured.

According to a recent statement from the Gaza Ministry of Health, since October 7, 2023, the total number of deaths in Israeli operations has reached 60,332, while the number of injured stands at 147,643.

The statement also mentioned that many of the deceased are still trapped under rubble. Due to a lack of adequate equipment and manpower for rescue operations, it has not been possible to retrieve them.

Additionally, Israeli forces have attacked civilians who were gathering to receive aid. On Friday, 53 Palestinians were killed and over 400 others were injured during a raid on a relief distribution site.

The violence began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack inside Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages to Gaza. In retaliation, Israel started a military operation in Gaza to secure the release of the hostages and to eliminate Hamas, a campaign that has continued for 15 months. Under international pressure, Israel declared a ceasefire on January 19 this year.

However, just two months later, on March 18, Israel resumed its attacks on Gaza. In this second phase of the operation, over 9,163 Palestinians have died, and nearly 35,600 have been injured in the past four months.

Israeli forces claim that at least 35 of the 251 hostages held by Hamas are still alive, and they plan to rescue them through military operations.

The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly called on Israel to end the violence. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has already filed a case against Israel for genocide.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the operation will continue until Hamas is decisively weakened and all hostages are freed.