GAZA: The Palestinian death toll from Israel’s deadly attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, jumped to 30,717, the territory’s Health Ministry reported on Wednesday. In the last 24 hours alone, 86 Palestinians were killed and 113 others wounded by Israeli army attacks.
The statement from the Gaza-based Health Ministry highlighted the dire situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave. The ministry said that several victims remained trapped under rubble due to heavy Israeli bombardment and a lack of rescue teams. The offensive, now entering its 152nd day, has also resulted in 72,156 injuries.
Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli army reportedly committed nine massacres across Gaza, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and further injuries. Medical staff have not been spared, with 348 healthcare workers killed and 269 others arrested, including hospital directors.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated drastically, with approximately 85% of the population displaced and facing food insecurity. Additionally, hundreds of thousands are without shelter, and humanitarian aid delivery has been severely disrupted.
Efforts to Secure Gaza Ceasefire Deal Ahead of Ramadan
Meanwhile, international mediators are continuing efforts to secure a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. Hamas said on Wednesday it would continue working towards achieving a ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip with Israel despite the absence of Israeli representatives from the latest round of talks in Cairo.
The Palestinian resistance group, along with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, is striving to reach a comprehensive agreement to halt the aggression against Gaza ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, Hamas expressed willingness to demonstrate flexibility to achieve a cessation of hostilities. However, they lamented Israel’s reluctance to fully engage in the negotiation process, accusing them of evading the terms of the proposed agreement.
US President Joe Biden weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that the decision to accept a ceasefire rested with the Palestinian resistance group. The proposed deal entails the release of Israeli hostages held by the group since October 7, in exchange for a six-week ceasefire period and increased aid to Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, tensions continued on the ground, with Israeli forces conducting a series of arrests in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society reported 25 arrests in the last 24 hours, bringing the total since October to 7,450.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian foreign ministry has condemned Israel’s obstruction of aid shipments, particularly in northern Gaza. Accusing Israel of perpetuating the occupation and exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian people, the ministry demanded immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis gripping the region.
