GAZA STRIP: The Hamas-controlled health ministry on Friday has claimed that at least 4,137 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israel began bombing at the Palestinian enclave.
13,162 people injured in Israeli strikes
The ministry said 13,162 people have been injured in the Israeli strikes, which have been ongoing since October 7.
The ministry further said 16 people have also been died at the compound of the Greek Orthodox church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City late on Thursday.
NGO Cartias Internationalis in a statement added around 500 people had taken refuge at the church, including five members of Caritas staff, with their families.
In a statement the NGO said it was devastated to learn about the death of their colleague Viola, 26-year-old, who was killed alongside her husband and their infant daughter in the strike.
It said at least 16 people were killed and others are still under the rubble.
Witnesses told western media the strike appeared to have been aimed at a target very close to the place of worship where many Gaza residents had taken shelter.
A wall of a church in the area was damaged as a result of the strike.
The Hamas health ministry also said that since the conflict started, 46 medical personnel had been killed and another 85 injured in Gaza.
Twenty-one health facilities were out of service due to shortage of fuel, it added. Palestinians in Gaza are still waiting for humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah crossing.
