Health Ministry Reports Over 27,000 Palestinian Casualties
The Health Ministry of Hamas-controlled Gaza has announced that more than 27,000 people have been killed and 66,000 wounded in Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths, but states that most of those killed were women and children. This comes amid accusations from South Africa’s foreign minister that Israel is ignoring a United Nations court ruling to prevent deaths in Gaza.
Violence Spills Over to Neighboring Countries
The violence in Gaza has spilled over into neighboring countries, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels firing two ballistic missiles at a container ship in the Red Sea. This attack follows a series of airstrikes launched by the United States against the rebels. The situation in the region is tense, with fears of a war between Israel and Lebanon becoming inevitable.
International Response and Aid Efforts
U.N. agencies are rallying around the agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza as some top donors cut funding. South Africa has accused Israel of disregarding the U.N. court ruling, while Chicago has become the latest U.S. city to approve a cease-fire resolution in the Israel-Hamas war. Humanitarian aid has been a point of contention, as dozens of Israeli protesters have attempted to block aid from entering Gaza, arguing that it could be used as leverage to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Despite international attention and efforts, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. The Health Ministry’s latest report highlights the devastating impact of Israel’s offensive, with over 27,000 lives lost and 66,000 individuals wounded. As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the world watches anxiously for a resolution to this ongoing tragedy.