By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) - The death toll in Gaza due to Israel's ongoing bombardment has climbed to 4,137, Health Ministry officials in the besieged enclave said Friday.
The number of injured has risen to 13,300, ministry spokesman Ashraf Qudra told a news conference, adding that over 1,000 others are missing.
At least 16 Palestinian Christians were among those killed in direct Israeli attacks on a Greek Orthodox church Thursday evening in Gaza city.
"Seven hospitals in the Gaza strip are completely out of service due to Israeli attacks," said Qudra.
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, along with stepping up raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank.
Officials have said more than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed in the conflict.