Death toll across Palestine surges to 16,456, over 42,000 wounded

In the wake of the devastating Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the death toll has surged to at least 16,456 , with over 42,250 individuals wounded, the Ministry of Health said in an update this evening. The Ministry said in a press statement that the number of casualties in the Gaza Strip has reached 16,200, while the death toll in the West Bank also surged to 265. In addition, the ministry said, 42,000 Palestinians have been injured in Gaza, and nearly 3,250 others in the West Bank. Of the 35 hospitals in Gaza, 27 are currently out of service due to the Israeli bombing campaign and the depletion of fuel reserves, the statement pointed out. The ministry explained that the health sector in Gaza is facing a severe crisis, as 55 ambulances have been completely gone of service, and dozens of healthcare centers have ceased operations due to continuous bombardment and fuel shortages. It added that the distribution of aid has been limited to the Rafah gover norate, with substantial interruptions in Khan Yunis, while the central region remains isolated from the south. There has been a significant rise in infectious diseases within UNRWA shelters in the south, including cases of diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, skin inflammations, and the spread of diseases such as Hepatitis A, according to the health ministry. Vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the injured, and pregnant women, are facing challenging living conditions. The Ministry of Health reported that over 60% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed, including more than 56,000 units completely destroyed and 224,000 units partially destroyed. The final count of destroyed units and buildings remains unavailable due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. According to the statement, there has been a growing trend of Israeli occupation forces targeting hospitals, health centers, ambulances, and medical teams in the West Bank. 'The occupation has escalated attacks on hospitals, besieging and raid ing them, as well as assaulting ambulances and detaining the wounded.' Settler attacks continue, it said, with 308 incidents recorded since the onset of the aggression on the Palestinian people on October 7th. These attacks have resulted in injuries and property damage owned by Palestinians. Moreover, at least 143 Palestinian families, comprising 1,014 individuals, including 388 children, have been displaced amidst settler violence and access restrictions. Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA