Palestinian death toll reaches 35,857 as Israel escalates offensive

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - The Palestinian death toll has mounted to 35,857 amid relentless Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since last October, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave said on Friday.

At least 80,293 people have also been injured in the Israeli offensive, the ministry added in a statement.

“The Israeli army killed 57 people and injured 93 others in six ‘massacres’ against families in the last 24 hours,” the ministry said, adding that many victims are still missing.

Israel has continued its brutal attacks on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023 despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire. The conflict has also led to vast swathes of Gaza laying in ruins, and shortage of basic necessities.

Israel is accused of “genocide” at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

The world court based in The Hague has also ordered Israel to halt its invasion of the city of Rafah, which it began on May 6.