Over 15,500 dead in Gaza as Israeli attacks continue
The death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen sharply to 15,523 since the conflict began on October 7, the Health Ministry in Gaza announced Sunday.
Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qedra reported the staggering number of casualties in a news conference, adding that the number of injured has escalated to 41,316.
Al-Qedra also highlighted the impact on healthcare personnel and facilities. The conflict has claimed the lives of 281 healthcare workers, with many more injured. Furthermore, 56 ambulances and an equal number of health facilities have been destroyed, while 20 hospitals and 46 primary care centers are out of service. He noted the recent arrest of four paramedics by Israeli forces, including the director of ambulance services in southern Gaza.
The official emphasized the dire need for a humanitarian corridor to facilitate medical supplies, fuel, field hospitals, medical teams, and the evacuation of the wounded. He called on the UN and the World Health Organization to pressure Israel for the immediate release of detained healthcare professionals and to find urgent solutions to prevent a humanitarian and health disaster for over 1.5 million displaced persons in shelters.
Al-Qedra condemned the Israeli occupation's targeting of hospitals in northern Gaza and its tactics of killing or forced displacement under bombardment. Since the resumption of bombing by the Israeli army early Friday, at least 509 Palestinians have been killed and 1,316 injured, as per the Gaza Health Ministry. The conflict was reignited following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, with the official Israeli death toll reported at 1,200.
