Israeli attacks on Gaza kill 65,000, displace 350,000

Israeli military operations in Gaza have claimed the lives of 65,062 Palestinians and injured at least 165,697 since the outbreak of the conflict nearly two years ago. In the past 24 hours alone, 98 more bodies were brought to hospitals and at least 385 people were wounded.

The humanitarian toll from Israeli-induced famine and malnutrition has also risen, with four new deaths bringing the total to 432, including 146 children. Since the UN-backed Hunger Monitoring System (IPC) declared northern Gaza a famine zone last month, 154 people—including 31 children—have died.

A UN commission of inquiry has described the latest Israeli assault, aimed at forcing one million residents of Gaza City southwest to occupy the area, as genocide. Thousands have fled the city in the face of the attacks. Israeli officials say around 350,000 residents have left Gaza City, while local authorities report that many have sought refuge within the city’s western and central districts, and 190,000 have left the city entirely.

Al Jazeera reported that 68 of Tuesday’s 98 fatalities occurred in Gaza City due to Israeli shelling and gunfire. Seven aid seekers were killed by Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) forces, with at least 87 injured. Since the GHF began operations on May 27, 2,504 aid seekers have been killed and 18,381 injured.

Turkish news agency Anadolu cited the Gaza Health Ministry, reporting at least 106 additional deaths across Gaza on Wednesday (September 17). Israel also targeted the overcrowded Al-Mawasi camp, where displaced residents from Rafah and Khan Yunis are sheltering. Many fleeing Gaza City now face unsafe conditions in the south, prompting around 15,000 to return to Gaza City’s central areas.

The Israeli military released footage showing a large number of tanks and armored vehicles advancing into Gaza City, stating that it may take several months to gain full control.

The conflict escalated after Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. Forty-eight remain captive, with at least 20 believed alive. Israel continues its military campaign, claiming it is aimed at securing the release of hostages.

Despite a ceasefire announced on January 19 under international mediation, Israeli forces resumed operations on March 18. In this second phase of the campaign, 12,511 Palestinians have been killed and 53,973 injured.