Crisis Deepens in Gaza: Count of Lives Lost Continues to Rise

Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip has resulted in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly 97,000 injuries since October 7. An escalation of violence, including strikes on shelters, has marked a grim first anniversary of last year's cross-border Hamas attack.

Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip has claimed the lives of at least 41,788 Palestinians and injured 96,794 since the conflict's onset on October 7. The Palestinian enclave's health ministry reported these figures on Thursday as relentless operations continue.

Amid the ongoing tensions, 99 Palestinians were killed and 169 wounded in the past 24 hours alone, according to the ministry. Medics highlighted that a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City and the Al-Amal Orphan Society were among the targets in recent Israeli strikes.

Approaching the first anniversary of the conflict triggered by Hamas's cross-border attack, the situation remains dire. With no signs of cessation in the Israeli military actions against the Palestinian Islamist group, the enclave is left in devastation.

(With inputs from agencies.)