By Miracle Ogunde
The escalating war between Israel and Hamas has claimed over 38,000 lives as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
It added that an additional 58 fatalities were recorded in hospitals within the last 24 hours, with the number of injured individuals surpassing 87,445.
It is estimated that a substantial number of the deceased are women and children, comprising approximately 70% of the total fatalities, although the ministry’s statistics do not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants,
The Israel Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Thursday to review Hamas’ response to a US-backed proposal for a phased ceasefire in Gaza, reviving diplomatic efforts to end the nine-month conflict after a prolonged pause, according to AP.
Meanwhile, hostilities have escalated between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, with the militant group launching over 200 rockets and explosive drones into northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of a senior commander in an Israeli airstrike the previous day.
The simmering conflict has ignited the border region and stoked fears of a catastrophic war in the Middle East.
Hezbollah has conditionalised its ceasefire on a truce between Hamas and Israel, both Iran-backed allies.
The United States has garnered international support for a proposal that involves the release of all hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a lasting truce and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
However, both sides have yet to fully accept the plan. Hamas proposed modifications last month, some of which the US deemed unfeasible, without elaboration.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the original proposal was initiated by Israel but expressed skepticism about its potential to end the war, a key demand by Hamas.
The conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, targeting multiple military bases and agricultural communities, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mainly civilians.
The militants also abducted around 250 individuals, with over 100 later released during a temporary ceasefire in November.
Currently, around 80 hostages remain in captivity, along with the remains of 40 others. In response to the initial attack, Israel launched a large-scale offensive that has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who did not specify how many were civilians or militants.
The war has resulted in widespread devastation across the territory, displacing most of the population of 2.3 million, causing recurring displacement, hunger, and raising concerns about the possibility of famine.
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