Gaza death toll climbs to 12,000 following Israeli strikes
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According to the press office of the authorities in Gaza, of the 12,000 who have been killed by Israeli shelling, 5,000 were children.
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Palestinians wounded in the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive to a hospital in Khan Younis on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
The press office of the authorities in Gaza has announced that over 12,000 people have died as a result of Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, 5,000 of whom were children.
The statement detailed that of the death toll of 12,000 people, this includes 5,000 children. In addition, more than 3,750 Palestinians are now missing.
The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza said the number of missing people has risen to more than 3,750, including 1,800 children still under the rubble.
The World Health Organization reported earlier today that disruptions in communications due to the intensity of the ongoing aggression did not allow for any updates regarding estimates of injuries and deaths over the last four days.
The organization confirmed that the health sector in Gaza has "buckled to its knees", indicating that 65% of primary care facilities are out of order, and 69% of hospitals are not operational.
The Organization pointed out that "ground operations in the city of Gaza and near hospitals, along with the fuel shortage, have led, in addition to the lack of fuel, to the immobility of rescue teams and ambulances in several areas."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to visiting US lawmakers, urging them to expedite emergency military assistance for "Israel" making a specific request for the replenishment of Iron Dome missile defense interceptors, precision-guided weapons, and 155 mm artillery shells, a Punchbowl report detailed.
Gazans at risk of dying of thirst: United Nations
"Israel" must allow clean water and fuel into Gaza to activate the water supply network and prevent a humanitarian crisis, according to a UN expert.
The UN special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, emphasized that preventing supplies needed for safe water violates international humanitarian and human rights law.
Gaza needs water. pic.twitter.com/nYgmcOUAul
— Khaled Beydoun (@KhaledBeydoun) November 9, 2023
"Every hour that passes with Israel preventing the provision of safe drinking water in the Gaza strip, in brazen breach of international law, puts Gazans at risk of dying of thirst and diseases related to the lack of safe drinking water," Pedro Arrojo-Agudo said.
He warned that the impact on public health and hygiene in Gaza would be "unimaginable" and could result in more civilian deaths than the already significant toll from the bombardment. Arrojo-Agudo stressed the need for urgent action to prevent a crisis, particularly affecting children, especially those under five years old – and women.
