Rising Casualties in Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
As the conflict in Gaza continues into its 376th day, the situation remains dire, with the Israeli military conducting extensive raids across the region. According to medical sources, 17 Palestinians were reported killed in these recent Israeli attacks on Wednesday, with the Gaza Ministry of Health stating that six massacres occurred within a 24-hour period, resulting in 65 deaths and 140 injuries. The total number of victims since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023, has now reached 42,409 martyrs and 99,153 wounded.
The military wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has claimed responsibility for various attacks against Israeli forces, including targeting military bulldozers and setting ambushes for tanks. In a notable incident, they reported detonating a booby-trapped building against an advancing Israeli infantry unit, leading to casualties among the troops.
Israeli Military Casualties and Concealment of Losses
On the Israeli side, the military has disclosed that approximately 4,895 soldiers have been injured since the conflict began, with 727 suffering serious injuries. The death toll among Israeli soldiers has reached 740, with 353 fatalities occurring during ground battles. However, observers suggest that the Israeli government is attempting to downplay the extent of its military losses and is restricting media access to information regarding casualties and damages sustained during the conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Gaza
The United Nations has raised alarms regarding the humanitarian situation in northern Gaza, describing it as
catastrophic.
The UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs reports that only three hospitals are operational in the area, facing severe shortages of essential medical supplies, including fuel and trauma kits, as Israeli military operations intensify. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that the ongoing escalation severely undermines the ability of the local population to access necessary survival resources.
Since the commencement of hostilities, the conflict has resulted in over 141,000 deaths and injuries, with a significant proportion being children and women. The situation continues to draw international concern and condemnation, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a resolution to the ongoing violence.
