Gaza death toll from Israel-Hamas war surpasses 44,000, officials report
The death toll in Gaza from the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has exceeded 44,000, according to local health officials. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over half of the fatalities are women and children. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Currently, about 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with many believed to be dead. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened, with around 90% of the population displaced. The flow of aid has significantly decreased, raising concerns about famine in northern Gaza.