Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 42,000 as Israeli Offensive Continues

The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 42,000, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, as Israel’s ongoing military operation enters its second week, The Associated Press reports.

The ministry reports that over half of the victims are women and children, with many bodies still trapped under rubble due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

Dr. Mounir al-Boursh, director-general of Gaza’s Health Ministry, said that hospitals have received around 350 bodies since the offensive began on October 6th. He highlighted the tragic reality of entire families being lost, with many bodies remaining unrecoverable.

The Israeli military operation, focused on the Jabaliya refugee camp, has devastated large swaths of Gaza, displacing nearly 90% of the territory’s 2.3 million residents. Hundreds of thousands are now living in overcrowded tent camps or schools converted into shelters.

The conflict stems from Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the abduction of 250, including an estimated 100 who are now believed to be dead. Despite Israeli efforts to reclaim the abducted civilians, some 100 remain in Hamas’ custody.