2,215 Muslims killed in Gaza, including 724 children

 

The Gaza death toll, in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, has risen to 2,215 people, which includes 724 children, as reported by the Ministry. The World Health Organization's chief has stated that supplies are ready for deployment to Gaza once humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing is established.

One devastating Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building in Gaza's densely-populated Jabalia refugee camp. This tragic incident resulted in at least 45 Palestinian fatalities and numerous injuries, as confirmed by Gaza's interior ministry. The building was filled with people seeking shelter from heavy bombardments in other parts of the Gaza Strip.

Rescue workers continue to search through the debris for more victims, and the death toll is expected to rise. Among the victims are members of two families, the Shihab and Abu Hemdan families, including children and elderly individuals.

This terrible incident is part of a broader military campaign initiated by Israel in response to an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israeli territory. The attack also involved the hostage-taking of at least 100 people. Hamas cited retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians as their motives for the attack.

As of now, Gaza's health ministry reports a devastating human cost, with 2,215 Palestinians killed, including 724 children and 452 women. Additionally, 6,612 others have been wounded in Israeli airstrikes on the besieged enclave.

Israel's blockade of Gaza, including the interruption of water and electricity supplies, has further worsened the already dire living conditions in the region. Gaza has effectively been an open-air prison since 2007. Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz has pledged to withhold electricity, water, and fuel until all hostages are released, an action widely seen as a violation of international law.

The situation remains distressing as another night of Israeli bombardment commences in Gaza. Various areas in the Gaza Strip, such as the al-Saftawi neighborhood, have been targeted by airstrikes, often without prior warning, with residential buildings suffering significant damage.