The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has confirmed that the death toll from Israel’s ongoing genocidal assault on the besieged Strip has risen to 61,776, the majority of whom are women and children, since the start of the aggression on October 7, 2023.

Medical sources reported that the number of Palestinians injured has now reached 154,906, with many victims still trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings. Ambulances and civil defense teams are often unable to reach these areas due to relentless Israeli bombardment and the destruction of roads and infrastructure.

In the past 24 hours alone, 54 Palestinians were killed — including four whose bodies were recovered from beneath rubble — and 831 others wounded. Since March 18, when Israel violated a ceasefire agreement, 10,251 Palestinians have been killed and 42,865 wounded.

The massacre of Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid continues unabated. Over the last 24 hours, 22 aid-seekers were killed and 269 injured. This brings the total number of slain Palestinians targeted while attempting to collect desperately needed food and supplies to 1,881, with 13,863 injured.

Starvation is also claiming lives in Gaza. Hospitals reported four more deaths from malnutrition in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 239, including 106 children. Aid agencies warn that famine is spreading due to Israel’s complete blockade on food, medicine, and humanitarian relief.

Human rights organizations and Palestinian officials stress that these figures reflect only the confirmed deaths and injuries. With thousands still missing under the rubble, the true toll of Israel’s war on Gaza is likely far higher.

The ongoing assault, blockade, and systematic targeting of civilians and aid efforts constitute clear violations of international law, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and multiple rulings of the International Court of Justice — all of which Israel continues to defy with full impunity. (ILKHA)