The health ministry in the Gaza Strip, under the control of Hamas, stated on Wednesday that 8,796 people have lost their lives since the outbreak of the war with Israel on October 7. Among the casualties, 3,648 are children, and 22,219 individuals have sustained injuries, as per the health ministry's report.
The conflict escalated on October 7 when Hamas militants crossed the border, resulting in more than 1,400 deaths, predominantly civilians, and over 230 individuals being kidnapped.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has triggered international condemnation, with aid organizations and the United Nations warning of an impending catastrophe for the 2.4 million people in the region who are facing severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed on Tuesday for the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized the crucial need for proportionality and precaution by all parties involved in the conflict.