The death toll in Gaza has risen to 404 following an Israeli military airstrike that shattered the ceasefire in the region, according to a post by Gaza’s Health Ministry announced on Telegram.
On its WhatsApp channel, the Health Ministry reported a slightly higher figure of 413. At the same time, more than 660 Palestinians were taken to hospitals with injuries, and many victims of the airstrikes are believed to be buried under the rubble.
“What we heard from colleagues at the Palestinian Red Crescent this morning is that many medical facilities across Gaza are overwhelmed,” said Tommaso Della Longa, spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Amid Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid, medical facilities are reporting shortages of essential supplies, including painkillers.
At least four government officials were killed in the Israeli airstrikes, including the head of Hamas’s government in Gaza, Essam al-Da’alis.
The list of casualties released by Hamas also includes Deputy Interior Minister Mahmoud Abu Wafah, Deputy Justice Minister Ahmed al-Hatta, and the Director General of Internal Security, Bahjat Abu Sultan.
The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has expressed his horror over the largest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since the ceasefire began in late January.
“I am appalled by last night’s Israeli airstrikes and bombings in Gaza. A tragedy upon a tragedy. This nightmare must end immediately. The past 18 months of violence have made it absolutely clear that there is no military way out of this crisis,” Türk stated.
