GAZA: The health ministry in Gaza said on Monday that the death toll in the more than seven months of Israel’s relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza has surpassed 36,050, mostly women and children. The ministry added that 81,026 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since October 7. Over 66 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours alone, the health ministry reported.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 45 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians in Rafah. Among the victims were 23 women, children, and elderly persons, with hundreds of others left wounded.
“The Rafah massacre yesterday left 45 martyrs, including 23 women, children and elderly. There are 249 others who were wounded,” the ministry said in a statement, updating the previous toll.
The airstrikes in Rafah drew condemnation from international organizations, with the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) describing reports of attacks on families seeking shelter as “horrifying.” Images from the scene showed scenes of heavy destruction, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza.
Israeli authorities claimed the airstrikes targeted a Hamas installation. However, reports of civilian casualties prompted calls for an investigation into the incident. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited Rafah, where operations were reportedly intensifying. His visit signaled a continuation of the military offensive despite a large number of civilian casualties.
The escalation of violence has exacerbated an already dire situation in Gaza, where over 80 percent of the population has been displaced, and severe hunger is widespread. UN officials have warned of looming famine, with access to aid severely restricted in some areas due to ongoing hostilities.
Southern Gaza, particularly Rafah, has borne the brunt of the recent escalation, with over 1 million Palestinians fleeing the city since Israel’s incursion began. Despite international efforts to provide aid, access remains limited, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
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