The Palestinian health ministry has reported that the death toll from the war in Gaza has surpassed 42,000, with the majority of those killed being women and children. According to the ministry, 42,010 Palestinians have been killed and 97,720 wounded since the start of the war, which was triggered by Hamas’ cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The war has been marked by a series of bloody battles and airstrikes, with the latest surge in violence in the Jabaliya refugee camp, where Israeli forces have carried out several major operations and wounded dozens of people. The camp has been largely isolated by Israeli forces since late last year, and residents have reported heavy destruction and death.
The Gaza Health Ministry has said that women and children make up more than half of those killed, and that the majority of those wounded are civilians. The ministry has also reported that three hospitals in the northern part of the enclave have been severely damaged and are unable to function fully, leaving the remaining hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of wounded.
Israel has justified its military actions as necessary to prevent further attacks from Hamas, which it claims is using civilians as human shields. However, critics have accused Israel of using disproportionate force and targeting civilian infrastructure and populations.
Palestinian Death Toll Surpasses 42,000 in Gaza War (Image via Getty)
The war has also had a devastating impact on Gaza’s economy and infrastructure, with hospitals, schools, and homes destroyed or severely damaged. The United Nations has reported that over 100,000 Palestinians are currently living in tent camps, with no access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.
As the war continues to rage, concerns are growing about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. International organizations have called for a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli military actions, while Israel has reiterated its commitment to defending its citizens from what it sees as a legitimate threat from Hamas.
The war has also taken a toll on the mental health of those living in Gaza, with many reported suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues. The Israeli military has claimed that its actions are necessary to prevent further attacks from Hamas, but critics have accused them of using the war as an excuse to exercise its military might against the Palestinian people.
As the death toll in Gaza continues to climb, the international community is grappling with the crisis, trying to find a solution to the never-ending cycle of violence and destruction.
