Gaza Death toll Surpasses 66,000 Amidst Ceasefire Push and Strained Regional Relations
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – The death toll in Gaza has climbed to 66,005, with an additional 168,162 wounded as the start of the conflict, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry’s daily report indicates 79 fatalities where recorded in the past 24 hours. While the ministry,operating under Hamas administration,does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in it’s count,it states that approximately half of those killed are women and children. These figures are considered a reliable estimate by the United Nations and self-reliant experts.
the rising death toll comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump, while efforts to secure a ceasefire continue. A recent statement from Hamas indicated a willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a complete end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee is scheduled to travel to Cairo to engage with Egyptian officials regarding a potential ceasefire and address the deteriorating relationship between Egypt and Israel. The U.S. Embassy in Israel characterized the trip as part of “regular diplomatic consultations” with regional partners.
The Israel-Egypt relationship, historically significant as the first between Israel and an Arab nation, has faced strain in recent months. Concerns include Israel’s targeting of Hamas leadership in Doha and fears of a potential influx of Palestinians into Egypt. Israel has also voiced concerns over an Egyptian military buildup in the Sinai Peninsula, perhaps violating the 1979 peace treaty.
Intense fighting continues within gaza.Local hospitals in central Gaza reported at least 10 deaths resulting from strikes on homes in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Residents reported continuous explosions overnight, attributed to the demolition of buildings using explosive-laden vehicles and robots.
The israeli military reported striking 140 Hamas military targets in the past 24 hours, including militants, observation equipment, and infrastructure. Israel’s offensive has resulted in widespread destruction,displacing approximately 90% of gaza’s population and creating a severe humanitarian crisis,with reports indicating famine conditions in Gaza City.
