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Gaza death toll nears 53,300 as Israel continues its genocidal war

Over 120,600 Palestinians injured in Israeli assault since October 2023, Health Ministry says

17 Mayıs 2025, Cumartesi

At least 53,272 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023, the Health Ministry said on Saturday.

A ministry statement said 153 people were killed in Israeli attacks in the enclave in the last 24 hours, while 459 others were injured, taking the number of injuries to 120,673.

Many victims are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them, it added.

The Israeli army resumed its assaults on the Gaza Strip on March 18, abandoning a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that took hold in January.

Since March 2, Israel has blocked all food, water, and medicine from entering Gaza, creating a man-made crisis, with humanitarian organizations saying people are at risk of famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

UN chief condemns reported Israeli plans for Gaza ground operation

'I emphasize UN will not participate in any operation that doesn't adhere to international law & humanitarian principles,' says Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern Saturday over reports that Israel plans to expand its ground operations in Gaza.

"I'm alarmed by reported plans by Israel to expand ground operations in Gaza," Guterres said on X.

"I emphasize the UN will not participate in any operation that doesn't adhere to international law & humanitarian principles – humanity, impartiality, independence & neutrality."

Some 71% of the Gaza Strip is under displacement orders or in Israeli-militarized zones, according to the UN.

He reiterated the rejection of any plan that displaces Gazans from their land. "I reject the repeated displacement of the population – along with any question of forced displacement outside of Gaza," he said.

Guterres also appealed for supporting the work of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), which Israel has targeted since October 2023.

Since March 2, Israel has barred all supplies, including food, water and medicine from entering Gaza.

Israel also abandoned the ceasefire and resumed bombarding Gaza on March 18. The death toll since October 2023, when the war began, has crossed 53,270 people.