Death toll across Palestine surges to 19,088, over 54,450 wounded

RAMALLAH: In the wake of the devastating Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the Ministry of Health announced in an update this evening that the death toll has surged to at least 19,088, with over 54,450 individuals wounded. The Ministry said in a press statement that the documented number of casualties in the Gaza Strip has reached 18,800, while the death toll in the West Bank also surged to 288. In addition, the ministry said, 51,000 Palestinians have been injured in Gaza, and nearly 3,450 others in the West Bank. Among the casualties in Gaza, over 300 healthcare workers, 86 journalists, 35 civil defense personnel, and 135 UNRWA staff have been killed. The Health Ministry reiterated its warnings about the dangers of the depletion of vaccine supplies in Gaza, which could lead to catastrophic health consequences, especially among displaced individuals in overcrowded shelters. The ministry documented 360,000 cases of infectious diseases in shelters, but sai d it believes the actual number to be higher. With only 11 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza partially operational and able to admit new patients, healthcare services are severely affected by the Israeli aggression, according to the ministry. Notably, only one hospital in the north is operational, according to the World Health Organization. The year 2023 is considered the bloodiest for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2005, with 496 victims recorded since the beginning of the year. The Health Ministry also warned of increasing Israeli attacks on hospitals, health centers, and ambulance vehicles in the West Bank, which further obstruct access to essential healthcare services. Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA