Gaza war death toll tops 70,000, health ministry reports

The Health Ministry in Gaza, which is administered by Hamas, announced on Saturday that the number of Palestinians killed by Israel has surpassed 70,000. The statement specified the updated death toll has reached 70,100, marking a somber milestone more than two years into the war.

Ceasefire Holds Amid Accusations

This announcement comes as a fragile ceasefire, brokered by the United States, is largely holding. However, both sides have accused each other of breaching the terms of the agreement. The health ministry stated that since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, Israeli fire has resulted in 354 Palestinian fatalities. In the 48 hours preceding the report, two bodies were received at hospitals, one of which was recovered from under rubble. A significant portion of the recent increase in the death toll was attributed to the processing and official approval of data for 299 victims.

UN Chief Addresses Deepening Crisis

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, addressed the situation on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. He stated that the scale of the tragedy has tested international laws and norms, emphasizing that the killing of civilians, mass displacement, and obstruction of aid should never be acceptable. While acknowledging the ceasefire as a "glimmer of hope," Guterres urged all parties to fully respect it and work towards solutions that uphold international law.