Israeli army death toll at 378 since Oct. 7

By Said Amouri

JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli army announced Saturday the death toll of soldiers since Oct. 7 reached 378.

The death toll includes 58 soldiers killed in the Gaza Strip as part of the Israeli ground operation in the enclave which started Oct. 27.

It also includes six soldiers killed in border areas with Lebanon, and two others killed in the West Bank.

Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the army has informed the families of the soldiers about the deaths.

The Israeli army death toll does not include 59 police personnel killed during the Hamas surprise military operation against Israel on Oct. 7.

Israel has killed more than 12,300 Palestinians in its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since the surprise offensive by Hamas. The official Israeli death toll, meanwhile, stands at about 1,200.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have either been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s relentless strikes on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity, and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a trickle.

Israel has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire until the release of hostages held by Hamas.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar