According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, over 70,000 Palestinians have died as a result of ongoing military actions by Israel. The death toll has reportedly continued to escalate since a ceasefire began on October 10, with Israeli airstrikes being conducted in response to alleged violations of the truce. The health ministry claims that bodies are still being recovered from debris in the region.
On a recent Saturday, two young brothers, identified as Fadi and Juma Abu Assi, were reportedly killed in an Israeli drone strike while gathering firewood east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their strikes targeted two individuals who had crossed the “yellow line,” an area that defines the boundaries set under a ceasefire arranged with U.S. mediation over seven weeks ago. The brothers have been described as aged eight and between 10 or 11 years old.
Their relatives confirmed that the children were collecting firewood when the incident occurred, and a funeral was held for them at Nasser Hospital. The figures provided by Gaza’s Ministry of Health are regarded as reliable by the United Nations and other international organizations, although Israel has repeatedly challenged these statistics. Independent verification by international journalists is hindered by restrictions imposed by Israel on entering Gaza.
The Gaza Health Ministry states that the current death toll stands at 70,100, with more than 350 fatalities reported since the ceasefire took effect. This escalation in hostilities follows a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8e97kl240lo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss