More than half those killed are women and children with thousands more still believed to be buried under rubble, according to Gaza health officials.
The devastating toll of the 13-month war between Israel and Hamas continues to climb, with Gaza health officials reporting on Thursday the milestone of over 44,000 deaths had been exceeded and more than 104,000 injuries reported.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than half those killed were women and children. Thousands more are believed buried under rubble, inaccessible to rescuers due to ongoing fighting and destruction.
The conflict began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 250.
Israel responded with a military offensive, citing Iran-backed Hamas’ use of civilian areas for military operations as the primary cause of civilian casualties.
While Israel claims to have killed 17,000 Hamas militants, it has not provided evidence, and Gaza’s residents face worsening conditions from 90 percent of the population having been displaced, with many currently sheltering in overcrowded camps.
