Israel Killed 77 Palestinians In Gaza Within 24 Hours, Health Ministry Says

Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have left at least 77 Palestinians dead and 222 others wounded in the past 24 hours, health officials said Thursday.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Ministry of Health, among those killed were two people attempting to collect humanitarian aid.

Another 44 Palestinians were injured in similar circumstances as Israel intensified its ground and air assault on Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban area.

The latest casualties bring the total Palestinian death toll since the war erupted to 66,225, with tens of thousands more injured, the ministry reported.

Despite international condemnation and growing recognition of Palestinian statehood by several Western governments, Israel has pressed ahead with its campaign to seize control of Gaza City.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel “will not allow” the establishment of an independent Palestinian state under any conditions.

President Donald Trump, after hosting Netanyahu at the White House this week, unveiled a 20-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict. He further gave Hamas “three or four days” to issue a formal response to the proposal.

Meanwhile, a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli navy.

Of the 44 vessels that set sail as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, all but four have been confirmed or are assumed to have been intercepted.

ABC News reports that two support vessels have diverted toward Cyprus, while one ship, the Marinette, continues its course toward Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry warned that accessing the few hospitals still operational in Gaza City including Al-Shifa, Al-Quds, and Al-Helou, has become “highly dangerous,” with medical staff and patients trapped under fire.