Gaza Death Toll Rises as Israel Resumes Campaign

Strategic Insights -

Violence has escalated in the Gaza Strip, with at least 29 people killed since midnight, according to the local civil defence agency. The resumption of Israel's campaign on March 18 has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, as aid is blocked from entering the territory. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reports that at least 2,326 people have been killed since Israel resumed strikes, bringing the overall death toll to 52,418.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 29 people were killed in Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip since midnight, according to the local civil defence agency.
  • Eight people were killed in an air strike on the Abu Sahlul family home in Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza.
  • Four people were killed in an air strike east of Shaaf in Gaza City's Al-Tuffah neighbourhood.
  • At least 17 more were killed in other attacks across the Palestinian territory, including one that hit a tent sheltering displaced people near the central city of Deir el-Balah.
  • The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said that at least 2,326 people have been killed since Israel resumed strikes.
  • UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher called on Israeli occupation authorities to lift the blockade on Gaza.
  • Israeli occupation authorities blocked all aid entering Gaza, leading to a "humanitarian catastrophe", according to UN rights chief Volker Turk.
  • "International law is clear and unequivocal: blocking humanitarian aid kills," Fletcher stated.
  • Humanitarian agencies remain ready to save lives, despite ongoing dangers.

Statistics:

  • At least 29 people killed since midnight in the Gaza Strip.
  • 2,326 people killed since Israel resumed strikes, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
  • Overall death toll since the war broke out: 52,418.
  • Israel's blockade lasting for nearly two months, since aid was blocked two months ago.
  • Number of people displaced: unknown.

Sources:

  • Gaza's civil defence agency
  • AFP images
  • Hamas-run Gaza health ministry
  • UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher
  • UN rights chief Volker Turk