Gaza war casualties surge past 66,000 amid failed ceasefire efforts
According to the Ministry, 79 people were killed in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of Palestinians killed since the war began in October 2023 to 66,005.
The war in Gaza has claimed more than 66,000 lives, the Gaza Health Ministry reported on Sunday, as the conflict nears its second anniversary.
According to the Ministry, 79 people were killed in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of Palestinians killed since the war began in October 2023 to 66,005. More than 168,162 others have been injured, while thousands remain trapped under rubble from Israeli airstrikes.
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The scale of devastation has prompted the United Nations (UN), human rights groups, and several governments to label the war a genocide, citing the high civilian death toll, the destruction of entire neighbourhoods, and the collapse of essential services such as water, food, and electricity.
Hospitals are also on the brink of collapse, with shortages of supplies, fuel, and medical staff. Doctors have warned they can no longer cope with the rising number of casualties.
In response, several European countries have formally recognised a Palestinian state, while the European Union (EU) is debating possible sanctions against Israel. Protest movements are also calling for boycotts of Israeli cultural and sporting events.
At the UN General Assembly on Friday, dozens of delegates walked out during Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech. Despite the boycott, Netanyahu told the chamber that Israel must “finish the job” against Hamas.
Ceasefire efforts have repeatedly failed. Earlier this month, an Israeli airstrike in Doha drew widespread criticism and derailed talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar.
Reports suggest that 48 hostages remain in Gaza, though Israel believes fewer than half are still alive. Hamas has said it is open to considering new peace proposals but insists hostages will only be released if there is a permanent ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.
Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Washington on Monday to meet US President Donald Trump, who has drafted a plan calling for a ceasefire, the release of hostages within two days, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
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