Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza tops 1,400

By Anadolu staff

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – The Palestinian death toll from a massive Israeli air campaign on the Gaza Strip has risen to 1,417, the Health Ministry said Thursday.

A ministry statement said at least 6,268 others were also injured in the bombardment since Saturday.

Israeli forces have launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip in response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the attack was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

In response, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip. Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

At least 1,300 Israelis were killed and over 3,300 others injured in the Hamas attack, according to official figures.