The death toll in Gaza's ongoing conflict has surged past 70,000, with thousands more expected as rescue efforts continue amidst an escalating cycle of violence. According to the Palestinian health ministry, the staggering figure now stands at 70,100, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the fragile ceasefire.
The Israel-Gaza war began nearly three weeks ago, sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that claimed over 1,200 lives and 250 hostages. While most of the hostages have been returned in truce negotiations or deals, the latest escalation has seen Israel carrying out strikes in response to alleged ceasefire violations, with Palestinian authorities struggling to verify the details.
Hospital staff reported two Palestinian children, aged eight and eleven, killed when an Israeli drone struck close to a school sheltering displaced people in the town of Beni Suheila. However, Israeli officials claimed they had targeted individuals conducting suspicious activities near troops, sparking concerns about the high civilian toll.
The health ministry has maintained detailed records of casualties, but the true extent of the damage is likely higher due to limited access and reporting from within Gaza. The ongoing violence has raised fears that the humanitarian crisis will only worsen as international efforts attempt to broker a sustainable peace.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions are escalating in other parts of the region, with Syrian officials confirming Israeli forces raided a village on Friday, killing at least 13 people, while Israel claimed to have apprehended suspects planning attacks on its territory. In Lebanon, Israel has escalated strikes against suspected Hezbollah sites, claiming the group is attempting to rearm.
As the US develops plans for a possible international stabilization force in Gaza, Palestinians are calling on mediators to pressure Israel to cease ceasefire violations. The fragile truce, which ended an 11-month conflict between Hamas and Israel, appears increasingly unsustainable as both sides dig in for long-term power struggles.
The Israel-Gaza war began nearly three weeks ago, sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that claimed over 1,200 lives and 250 hostages. While most of the hostages have been returned in truce negotiations or deals, the latest escalation has seen Israel carrying out strikes in response to alleged ceasefire violations, with Palestinian authorities struggling to verify the details.
Hospital staff reported two Palestinian children, aged eight and eleven, killed when an Israeli drone struck close to a school sheltering displaced people in the town of Beni Suheila. However, Israeli officials claimed they had targeted individuals conducting suspicious activities near troops, sparking concerns about the high civilian toll.
The health ministry has maintained detailed records of casualties, but the true extent of the damage is likely higher due to limited access and reporting from within Gaza. The ongoing violence has raised fears that the humanitarian crisis will only worsen as international efforts attempt to broker a sustainable peace.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions are escalating in other parts of the region, with Syrian officials confirming Israeli forces raided a village on Friday, killing at least 13 people, while Israel claimed to have apprehended suspects planning attacks on its territory. In Lebanon, Israel has escalated strikes against suspected Hezbollah sites, claiming the group is attempting to rearm.
As the US develops plans for a possible international stabilization force in Gaza, Palestinians are calling on mediators to pressure Israel to cease ceasefire violations. The fragile truce, which ended an 11-month conflict between Hamas and Israel, appears increasingly unsustainable as both sides dig in for long-term power struggles.