The death toll from Israel’s relentless assault on the Gaza Strip has soared to 66,225 martyrs, the overwhelming majority women and children, since the start of the aggression in October 2023.

At least 168,938 others have been wounded, according to local health authorities.

Medical sources reported that within the past 24 hours alone, 51 bodies and 222 wounded Palestinians were transported to Gaza’s overstretched hospitals, many of which continue to operate under siege and bombardment.

Tragedy also continues at aid distribution points. Over the past day, two Palestinians were killed and 44 others wounded while attempting to obtain desperately needed humanitarian aid. Since the beginning of the aggression, at least 2,582 aid seekers have been killed by Israeli attacks on food convoys and aid queues, with 18,974 others injured.

Health officials and civil defense teams stress that the true toll is even higher, as thousands remain trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings. Rescue crews have been repeatedly obstructed by ongoing airstrikes and a near-total blockade of fuel and equipment.

Human rights groups and UN officials have condemned the targeting of civilians, warning that Israel’s blockade and deliberate obstruction of aid deliveries amount to the use of starvation as a weapon of war — a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

As Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe deepens, Palestinian officials continue to call on the international community to end Israel’s genocidal assault, lift the blockade, and hold the occupying power accountable for crimes against humanity. (ILKHA)