Palestinian death toll in occupied West Bank surges to 91

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) — The total number of Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank since Oct. 7 rose to 91 on Sunday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

In a statement, it said that the General Authority for Civil Affairs, the Palestinian Authority's contact point with the Israeli side, informed it of the death of a citizen — the sixth on Sunday — whose identity is yet to be confirmed.

The deaths came after "Israeli forces' gunfire near Al-Arroub camp," the ministry added.

Earlier on Sunday, eyewitnesses told Anadolu that the Israeli army "fired at the Palestinian at the entrance of the Al-Arroub refugee camp, north of Hebron."

They said the person was shot directly, without specifying the reason for the targeting.

The Palestinian Health Ministry had earlier reported on Sunday that five Palestinians were killed in Jenin, Tubas, and Nablus during the dawn and morning hours."​​​​​​​

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas 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.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

At least 4,385 Palestinians, including 1,756 children and 1,000 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

* Writing by Rania Abu Shamala