Gaza death toll surpasses 65,500 as 60 killed in 24 hrs

At least 60 more people were killed and 142 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza between Thursday evening and Friday evening, the Gaza Health Ministry reported Friday night.

The actual casualty numbers are believed to be higher, as many bodies remain trapped under rubble due to limited rescue equipment and manpower, reports Al Jazeera.

According to official figures, a total of 65,549 people have been killed and 167,518 injured in Gaza since the conflict escalated nearly two years ago.

Additionally, civilians seeking food and aid continue to be targeted. On Friday alone, five people were killed and 33 injured while collecting relief supplies.

The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when a surprise Hamas attack killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military offensive on Gaza, which remains ongoing.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of genocide. A separate genocide case is also being heard at the UN’s top court.

Despite international pressure, Netanyahu has declared that Israeli operations will continue until Hamas is completely eliminated.