Parish priest, a number of others injured as Israel’s airstrikes hit Gaza church

The battle started with Hamas’ cross-border assault on 7 October 2023. That day, militants killed some 1,200 individuals, largely civilians, and kidnapped 251 individuals, most of whom have since been launched in ceasefire agreements or different offers.

Fifty hostages are nonetheless being held, lower than half of them believed to be alive.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 58,000 Palestinians, in line with Gaza’s Well being Ministry, which has stated ladies and youngsters make up greater than half of the lifeless. It doesn’t distinguish between civilians and militants in its tally.

The ministry is a part of the Hamas-run authorities however is led by medical professionals. The United Nations and different worldwide organisations take into account its figures to be probably the most dependable depend of battle casualties.