The death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to 4,137 people, according to the health ministry in Gaza controlled by Hamas. The ministry’s report, released on Friday, also stated that 13,162 people had been injured since Israeli strikes began on October 7.
On Thursday, 16 people died at the Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox church compound in Gaza City. Around 500 people, including five Caritas employees and their families, sought refuge at the church, but tragically, one of the Caritas employees, Viola, her husband, and their infant daughter were killed during the strike. At least 17 fatalities were reported, with more people still buried in the debris.
The Israeli army claimed that the strike targeted one of Hamas’ “command and control centers” that was responsible for launching rockets towards Israel. As a result, 46 medical professionals have died and 85 were injured in the enclave, with 21 medical facilities unable to operate due to a fuel shortage.
Humanitarian supplies are waiting to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, as the conflict was sparked when Hamas launched a deadly raid on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people on Israeli soil.