International Desk »
The besieged Gaza Strip remains drenched in blood, as death tolls climb daily and the wounded outnumber hospital beds. In the latest Israeli assault, at least 79 Palestinians were killed, bringing the total number of fatalities from nearly two years of continuous attacks to 65,141. More than 165,925 others have been injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The figures, reported Thursday (September 18) by Anadolu Agency, suggest the real toll is far higher, with countless victims still trapped under rubble. Rescue efforts remain crippled due to shortages of equipment and manpower.
Israeli forces have not limited their assaults to airstrikes and ground operations. Even humanitarian aid seekers came under fire—nine Palestinians were killed and 33 others wounded in the past 24 hours while waiting for relief. Since May 27 alone, such incidents have claimed 2,513 lives and injured more than 18,414 people.
Children in Gaza continue to bear the heaviest burden. Malnutrition and starvation claimed the lives of four more people, including a child, in the past 24 hours. Since October, 435 Palestinians have died of hunger, among them 147 children.
International courts have already moved against Israel. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel is also facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice.
Yet, none of these global condemnations or legal actions have stopped the bloodshed. In Gaza, grief, destruction, and despair deepen by the day—while the prospect of peace remains painfully out of reach.