The death toll in Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing bombardment has climbed to 4,651, including 1,873 children, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave said Sunday.
In a statement, Ashraf Qudra, a ministry spokesperson, said that 1,023 women were also among the people killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The number of injured has risen to 14,245, the spokesperson added.
The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since October 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers since decades on Palestinians.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. More than 1,400 Israelis were killed in the Hamas attack.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.
On Saturday, a humanitarian aid convoy began entering the Gaza Strip from Egypt. It was the first aid delivery to Gaza since Israel began attacking Palestinians.
