Gaza death toll surpasses 43,000 mark as Israeli airstrikes continue

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 96 more Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, raising the total death toll since the conflict began to 43,020, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported on Monday.

Recent casualties, destruction in Gaza

The ministry’s statement noted that 101,110 others have been injured in the continued Israeli assault. The latest wave of airstrikes resulted in five massacres of families over the past 48 hours, leaving 96 dead and 277 wounded, according to the ministry.

“Many people remain trapped under rubble, and rescue teams are struggling to reach them,” the statement added, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.

Cease-fire calls ignored by Israel

Despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has maintained its military operations in Gaza since an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, 2023.

The ongoing offensive has displaced nearly the entire population of the Gaza Strip, exacerbating shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies.

Mediation efforts falter

International mediation efforts led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have attempted to broker a cease-fire and prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas.

However, these efforts have stalled, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refusing to agree to a halt in hostilities.

Potential international legal action against Israel

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its actions in Gaza, with human rights groups urging accountability for the civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in the enclave.