The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 43,000 according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, with a significant proportion of casualties being civilians, amid ongoing Israeli military operations. This statement was released on Monday, highlighting the intensification of conflicts, especially in Northern Gaza.
The deadly toll now includes women and children, with increasing international scrutiny over Israeli tactics involving healthcare facilities, Newsweek reported.
The conflict, which escalated a year ago on October 7, 2023, has seen periodic surges in violence. Initially triggered by Hamas militants' attacks, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, the Israeli Defense Forces have expanded their military response across Gaza and parts of Lebanon.
This past weekend, tensions spiked further during an Israeli raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, a facility in northern Gaza actively treating about 200 patients at the time. Reports from the ground stated that Israeli forces detained approximately 100 individuals suspected of being Hamas militants during this operation.
The World Health Organization swiftly condemned the actions of the Israeli military, particularly criticizing the detention of 44 male hospital staff members during the raid. This action was defended by the Israeli military, citing the alleged use of medical facilities by Hamas for military purposes.
Palestinian medical officials have reported significant damage to the infrastructure of Kamal Adwan Hospital following the Israeli raid. Besides detaining suspects, Israeli forces also claimed to have found weapons within the hospital, a claim that has added fuel to the fiery debate about the militarization of health facilities by combatants.
In response to accusations, an Israeli military source clarified that while the vicinity of Kamal Adwan Hospital witnessed heavy fighting, military personnel did not engage inside the medical facility itself. However, the actions taken have led to widespread censure from international observers and health organizations.
Before the raid, to mitigate any potential harm to patients and staff, the Israeli military moved 88 individuals from the hospital. This was followed by the delivery of 30,000 liters of fuel and necessary medical supplies to support the remaining medical operations amid the conflict.
Israeli forces have intensified their operations in northern Gaza, especially around Jabaliya, and have called on civilians—approximately 400,000 people—to evacuate the area. Despite these efforts, disruptions in humanitarian aid have worsened the crisis.
The operations have expanded beyond military sites to affect residential areas as part of a broader offensive, which also includes targeted strikes on senior figures within Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian commanders involved in the conflict.
Hezbollah’s involvement, launching attacks from Lebanon to support Hamas, has complicated peace efforts and destabilized the region. The military strategies span multiple fronts, straining resources and heightening the challenge of protecting civilian lives.
Israel’s ongoing military operations indicate a conflict likely to extend, raising serious humanitarian concerns. Calls for diplomacy have intensified, with international stakeholders urging negotiations and a cease-fire.
Yet, the persistence of hostilities, the strategic importance of northern Gaza, and the involvement of multiple militant groups create significant obstacles to peace. Casualties continue to rise as both sides brace for a potentially prolonged and even more destructive phase.
The global community remains vigilant, closely observing how one of the world’s most densely populated areas endures military aggression and restricted access to essentials. The international response may soon shape diplomatic efforts to halt one of the deadliest conflicts in recent history.
With governments and aid organizations rushing to address urgent needs, the world watches, hoping for a resolution that delivers lasting peace to the region.
