A staggering 16,314 Palestinian children have tragically lost their lives in Israel’s relentless assault on the Gaza Strip since October 7. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, among the victims were 35 children who succumbed to starvation as a result of Israel’s blockade on the enclave. The brutality of the offensive extended to claiming the lives of nearly 11,000 women, 885 medics, 165 journalists, and 79 civil defense personnel.
The media office revealed the devastating discovery of seven mass graves in Gaza, from which 520 bodies were recovered. Despite calls from the UN Security Council for an immediate cease-fire, Israel continues its merciless campaign following an initial attack by Hamas in October 2023.
The death toll now stands at 39,500 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, with over 91,000 others sustaining injuries. Over the course of the 10-month conflict, Gaza has been reduced to ruins amidst severe shortages of essential supplies.
Accused of genocide, Israel faces scrutiny at the International Court of Justice, which has demanded an end to its military operations in the city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians sought shelter before being invaded on May 6.