Gaza death toll rises by 13 in 24 hours despite ceasefire

Fresh casualties

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported on Wednesday that Israeli military strikes killed 13 Palestinians and wounded 18 others across the besieged territory within a 24-hour period, marking the latest casualties in a ceasefire agreement that has shown persistent signs of strain since taking effect on October 10.

Medical teams received the bodies of 13 Palestinians at hospitals throughout the enclave, including 12 people killed in recent strikes and one individual who succumbed to wounds sustained in earlier attacks, the ministry said in a statement. Several victims remain buried beneath collapsed buildings and stranded on roadways, as ambulance crews and civil defense units continue to face dangerous conditions preventing them from reaching all affected areas.

Ceasefire violations

The latest fatalities bring to 1,123 the number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire formally began on October 10, according to the ministry's updated figures. An additional 3,616 people have been injured during this period, while rescue workers have recovered 800 bodies from the rubble of destroyed buildings across the Gaza Strip since the truce took effect.

War devastation

Since Israel launched its assault on Gaza on October 8, 2023, the ministry has recorded 73,246 deaths and 173,727 injuries among the Palestinian population. The offensive has also left approximately 90 percent of civilian infrastructure in ruins across the territory.