The death toll in Gaza from the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 45,000, with over 52 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, AP News reports.
Israel and Hamas blame each other for civilian deaths, with Israel accusing Hamas of operating in residential areas, while critics say Israel hasn’t done enough to protect civilians. Among the latest casualties are a family of four killed in an Israeli airstrike and at least another 13 people, including children, were killed in a strike on a school in Khan Younis. Additionally, a Palestinian journalist working for Al Jazeera was killed while covering rescue operations.
The war, which began in October 2023 after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 and abducting 250 people, has caused widespread devastation in Gaza after Israel responded with heavy bombardments and a ground invasion. Efforts for a ceasefire have intensified, with Qatar, Egypt, and the US mediating.
