The Gaza Ministry of Health raises the death toll to more than 20,400 since the start of the Israeli offensive

2023-12-24 13:22:13

Transfer of a body after an Israeli attack in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip – Mohammad Abu Elsebah/dpa

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MADRID, 24 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Ministry of Health of the Gaza Strip, linked to the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), has raised this Sunday to more than 20,400 the provisional death toll from the offensive launched on the territory by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). more than two and a half months ago.

Specifically, the Gazan authorities are aware of 20,424 deaths and 54,036 injuries, although they estimate that the actual toll of victims is higher because there are inaccessible areas and there may be people under the rubble. In the last 24 hours, 166 more deaths have been confirmed.

The military offensive, launched in retaliation for the Hamas attacks that left 1,200 dead on Israeli soil, has also caused the massive displacement of the population of Gaza. More than 1.9 million people have had to leave their homes and the UN has even warned of the possible declaration of famine if the attacks do not stop and aid enters the Strip smoothly.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, indicated this Sunday that a humanitarian ceasefire is “the only way out” to facilitate the entry of aid and prevent more deaths, as well as for the hostages in hands of Hamas can be freed. “War defies logic and humanity and anticipates a future with more hatred and less peace,” he lamented on his social network account X.