Israel Conflict Sees Gaza Death Toll Surpass 73,000 Despite Ceasefire
In the Israel conflict the Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 73,000 since October 2023 according to Gaza's Health Ministry as Israel continues strikes in violation of a ceasefire agreement reached in October. [1] [2]
Rising Death Toll in Gaza
Gaza's Health Ministry reported a total of 73,001 deaths as of Sunday with five additional deaths that day including two in Khan Younis and one in central Gaza. [2] The ministry also recorded 173,200 wounded since the start of the war with women and children comprising around half of all fatalities. [2] Confirmation of the updated figures came from Zaher al-Waheidi head of the ministry’s records department and Hamza Salem from the ministry’s public relations department. [2] The health ministry has tracked these casualties since the Hamas-led attack in Israel on 7 October 2023 triggered the war. [2] The figures reflect the impact of Israel's assault on the territory which has continued despite the ceasefire. [2]
Continued Israeli Strikes Despite Ceasefire
Palestinian detainee dies in Israeli prison after 25 years of detention. — Source: anadolu
Israel has continued daily attacks across Gaza despite the ceasefire brokered by Qatar Egypt and the US gradually expanding its control by seizing another 10 percent of the territory. [2] The ceasefire deal reached in October ended full-scale military operations and led to the return of all the remaining captives. [2] Israel has refused to observe the ceasefire and has continued daily attacks across Gaza according to reports. [2] Hamas has refused to discuss disarming until Israel complies with the terms of the ceasefire. [2] The Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 73,000 Gaza's Health Ministry said Sunday despite a fragile ceasefire that has been described as stalled. [1]
Recent Incidents in Gaza
On Sunday the ministry said there were five deaths two in the southern city of Khan Younis and one in central Gaza in addition to two who died of earlier wounds. [2] An Israeli strike on Saturday evening killed two Palestinians in Khan Younis. [2] The casualties were taken to Nasser hospital according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. [2] The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the strike. [2] Relatives attended the funeral of a 13-year-old boy killed in an Israeli attack in Khan Younis. [2]
Prisoner Death in Israeli Custody
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A Palestinian detainee Imad Rajih Sarhan 47 died after 25 years in Israeli prisons bringing the number of Palestinians who died in Israeli custody since October 2023 to 90. [3] The death of Imad Rajih Sarhan 47 brought the number of Palestinians who died in Israeli custody since October 2023 to 90. [3]
West Bank Settlement Incident
In the West Bank a 29-year-old Palestinian man was shot and wounded by a resident of the Geva Binyamin settlement after allegedly trespassing and threatening the farmer with a stone. [4] According to the farm's owners the Palestinian trespassed onto their property and attempted to attack the resident when the farmer approached him to investigate the situation. [4] The resident reportedly felt threatened and then fired his personal weapon wounding the Palestinian. [4] The injured man was evacuated for medical treatment before the authorities arrived and will later be transferred to security forces for questioning. [4] Unconfirmed reports have suggested that the Palestinian attacker was suffering from a mental illness but the police have reported that the investigation into the incident is ongoing. [4] This comes as tensions rise in the West Bank with the government expected to approve funding to establish 61 new settlements in the area. [4] The plan involves allocating over $350 million over several years and is being promoted by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. [4] In another decision the Higher Planning Council a body that operates under the Defense Ministry approved the development of 2,162 new housing units in West Bank settlements Smotrich announced earlier this month. [4] Smotrich welcomed this decision saying that we are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice. [4]
Hezbollah Actions in Southern Lebanon
Hezbollah reported repelling two Israeli incursions and launching 19 attacks in southern Lebanon using drones rockets and artillery in response to ceasefire violations. [5] The group says it targeted Israeli troops vehicles and military positions with drones rockets and artillery in response to ceasefire violations. [5]
What to watch next: Observers will monitor whether Israel continues daily attacks in Gaza and whether Hezbollah launches further responses to alleged violations along the Lebanon border.
