Death Toll in Gaza Surpasses 60,000 Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 60,000, a tragic milestone since the outbreak of hostilities triggered by Hamas-led assaults on Israel on October 7, 2023. This conflict led to the deaths of 1,138 Israelis and the kidnapping of 252 individuals. Reports indicate that as many as 200,000 people have sustained injuries, with many suffering from life-changing conditions such as amputations and severe brain injuries.

The current figures highlight a grim comparison to historical events, notably the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki, which caused a death toll that varied from 39,000 to as high as 80,000 according to different sources. The Gaza Health Ministry noted 60,034 fatalities as of the latest update, including 81 deaths reported on that day alone, among which were civilians seeking assistance. Despite declared military and humanitarian pauses, violence persisted, leading to what sources describe as one of the deadliest days in recent weeks, with heavy bombardment from Israeli forces.

Adding to the severity of the situation, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared famine conditions in parts of Gaza. A report released on Tuesday indicated that food consumption levels have plummeted, especially in Gaza City, while mass displacement and limited humanitarian access exacerbate the crisis. With estimates suggesting that one-third of the population is facing significant food scarcity, humanitarian aid remains critically insufficient.

Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have disputed allegations of widespread starvation, claiming there is enough aid available. In contrast, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the humanitarian situation, labeling it a catastrophic emergency. He underlined the need for increased aid flow and called for an immediate ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and the unconditional release of hostages as vital steps in addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza.