Gaza (Web Desk/Agencies): The death toll from the ongoing conflict in Gaza has surpassed 43,000, with more than half of those fatalities comprising women and children, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Monday.
This count includes 96 individuals who were admitted to hospitals in Gaza in the last two days alone.
Israeli forces are actively conducting military operations in northern Gaza, including a recent raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, where they claim to have apprehended 100 suspected Hamas militants.
The World Health Organization (WHO) criticized Israel for detaining 44 male staff members from the hospital. Palestinian medical officials have indicated that the hospital, which was caring for around 200 patients, suffered extensive damage during the operation.
Over the course of the conflict, Israel has raided multiple hospitals in Gaza, alleging that Hamas and other militant groups utilize these facilities for military purposes.
Palestinian officials firmly reject these claims, asserting that such military actions recklessly endanger civilian lives.
An Israeli military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that while there was intense fighting in the vicinity of Kamal Adwan Hospital, it did not occur inside the building.
The official also stated that weapons were found within the hospital premises, which prompted the detainment and search of medical staff, as some militants had reportedly disguised themselves as healthcare workers.
In the lead-up to the raid, the military facilitated the relocation of 88 patients and medical personnel to other hospitals and provided 30,000 liters of fuel and medical supplies during the operation to ensure the hospital's continued functioning.
The Israeli military continues to urge residents of northern Gaza to evacuate, as their offensive in the area has persisted for over three weeks.
According to the United Nations (UN), at least 400,000 people remain in northern Gaza, facing severe food shortages due to a significant reduction in humanitarian aid over the past month.
Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported a staggering 43,020 deaths and 101,110 injuries, without making a distinction between militants and civilians.
The hostilities erupted when Hamas militants breached Israel’s security barrier, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 250 others.
