In Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry reported that more than 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Over 92,401 individuals have sustained injuries, and a large proportion of the population, accounting for over 85%, has been forced to leave their homes due to Israel’s offensive, as stated by the Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The toll provided does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Amidst another endeavor by international mediators to negotiate a truce in the 11-month-long war, the announcement of the staggering number of casualties sheds light on the dire humanitarian situation in the region. The hostility began on October 7 when Hamas-affiliated fighters initiated an assault on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, the majority of whom were civilians. Additionally, approximately 250 individuals were taken captive and transferred to Gaza by the militants.
Reporting on this development was conducted by Frankel from Jerusalem.
