GAZA CITY – The government media office in the Gaza Strip disclosed a significant rise in the death toll as a result of Israeli airstrikes, reaching 9,500, with a majority comprising women and children.
According to Philippines News Agency, the head of the media office, during a press conference held on Saturday, the fatalities include 3,900 children and 2,509 women since the start of hostilities on October 7. Marouf detailed the extensive damages inflicted on the infrastructure, including the destruction of religious sites and educational institutions, with 55 mosques, three universities, three churches, and five Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs buildings being destroyed.
The healthcare sector has suffered considerable losses as well, with Marouf reporting that 16 hospitals, 32 primary care centers, 27 ambulances, and 105 medical institutions have sustained damages. In the housing sector, the bombardments have resulted in the destruction of 8,500 homes, damage to 40,000 housing units, and impact on an additional 220,000 units. Government and educational infrastructure has also been affected, with 88 government headquarters and 220 schools damaged, forcing 60 schools to cease operations.
Marouf added that the intensification of the Israeli military action has coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to the region. Further exacerbating the situation, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza announced earlier Saturday the casualties from an Israeli bombing targeting Al-Fakhoura School in Jabalia refugee camp, resulting in 15 deaths and over 70 injuries.
The ongoing conflict has precipitated a dire humanitarian crisis, displacing approximately 1.4 million people of the Gaza Strip's 2.3 million population. The lack of fuel supplies, a direct consequence of Israeli restrictions, has led to the cessation of services in many hospitals. Despite the grim circumstances, reports from the UN and Red Cross indicate that only a limited amount of humanitarian aid has been permitted entry into the Gaza Strip, which has been enduring an almost complete blockade for nearly a month.