In a somber update, the Gaza Health Ministry declared that the death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has surged past 29,000 Palestinians. This marks a tragic milestone in what has become the deadliest episode in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his commitment to achieving “total victory” against Hamas. Concerns rise as there are indications of a potential advance into Rafah, a southern town on the Egyptian border, where over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have sought refuge.
Despite ongoing efforts by the United States, in collaboration with mediators Egypt and Qatar, to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages, progress appears to have stalled. Tensions heightened further as Netanyahu called on Qatar, which hosts Hamas leaders, to exert pressure on the militant group, resulting in strained relations.
The latest report from the Health Ministry reveals that 107 bodies were brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours, bringing the total fatalities to 29,092 since the conflict’s onset. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but emphasizes that approximately two-thirds of the casualties were women and children. Additionally, more than 69,000 Palestinians have been wounded, overwhelming the already strained healthcare infrastructure.
The war, ignited when Hamas-led militants entered southern Israel on October 7, has triggered a humanitarian crisis, displacing around 80% of Gaza’s population and leaving a quarter of them facing starvation, according to U.N. officials.
As the conflict persists, Israel contends that it has eliminated over 10,000 Palestinian militants, citing the dense residential areas where Hamas operates as a contributing factor to the high civilian death toll. The war has claimed the lives of 236 Israeli soldiers.
With no apparent end in sight, concerns intensify over a potential expansion of the offensive into Rafah. Benny Gantz, a member of Netanyahu’s War Cabinet, warned of further action if hostages are not released by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Amid international pressure for a truce and hostage release, Hamas insists on the cessation of the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Netanyahu rejects these demands, urging pressure on Qatar to influence Hamas due to its significant role in mediating past agreements.
In response, Qatar denies funding Hamas and emphasizes its commitment to mediation efforts. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson dismissed Netanyahu’s statements as an attempt to prolong the war, citing the Israeli leader’s domestic political challenges.
