The death toll in the Gaza Strip has climbed to at least 70,665 Palestinians since the start of Israel’s military offensive on Oct. 7, 2023, medical sources confirmed on Monday, underscoring the devastating human cost of the ongoing assault on the besieged enclave.

According to the sources, the vast majority of those killed are women and children, reflecting what Palestinian officials and human rights organizations have repeatedly described as the indiscriminate nature of Israel’s attacks on densely populated civilian areas.

The same sources reported that the number of injured has risen to 171,145, as hospitals—many of which are barely functioning—continue to struggle with severe shortages of medicine, fuel, and medical supplies. Thousands of victims are believed to remain trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed homes and buildings, unreachable by ambulance and civil defense crews due to relentless bombardment and the lack of heavy rescue equipment.

Over the past 24 hours alone, Israeli strikes killed at least two Palestinians and wounded six others, who were transferred to hospitals across the Gaza Strip, medical officials said.

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire agreement on Oct. 11, 2023, Israeli attacks have continued. Since that date, at least 393 Palestinians have been martyred and 1,068 wounded, while rescue teams have recovered 632 bodies from under the rubble, according to health authorities.

Palestinian officials say the figures reflect a catastrophic humanitarian situation caused by Israel’s sustained military campaign, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the ongoing blockade, which has severely restricted humanitarian aid and emergency response efforts.

As the death toll continues to rise, calls have intensified from Palestinians and international rights groups for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, accountability for alleged war crimes, and urgent international action to protect civilians in Gaza. (ILKHA)