Death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza, West Bank reaches 7,814

By Ahmed Gouda

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - The death toll from relentless Israeli bombing of Gaza and clashes in the West Bank since Oct. 7 has risen to 7,814, Palestine's state TV said on Sunday.

It said in a statement that 21,693 others were also wounded as a result of Israel's actions "against our people."

While Gaza has been under relentless Israeli airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7, tensions have also risen in the occupied West Bank amid reports of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli troops, arrest raids and attacks by Jewish settlers.

Hamas had initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

Israel responded with an uninterrupted campaign of air raids, which intensified Friday night along with ground operations amid a complete blackout of telecommunications and internet networks. The services, however, are gradually being restored.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said ground forces entered the "gates of Gaza," in the “second stage of the war” to destroy Hamas's military and governing capabilities, and bring the captives back home.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi