The death toll in central Gaza has tragically risen to at least 236 after a recent Israeli security forces operation aimed at rescuing four hostages from the Nuseirat refugee camp. Hospital officials in the enclave have reported the grim aftermath of the operation.
Dr. Marwan Abu Nasser, the director of Al-Awda Hospital, stated that 142 bodies were counted at the medical facility by late Saturday following the Israeli raid. The operation was marked by heavy artillery fire and shelling, leading to devastating consequences.
Additionally, officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah confirmed that they had counted 94 bodies at their medical facility. The lack of international media access to the strip has made it challenging to fully document the extent of the casualties. Medical records in Gaza do not distinguish between civilians and militants killed in the conflict.
Palestinian civilians have recounted harrowing experiences during the Israeli military operation, describing scenes of horror where children were reportedly torn apart and scattered in the streets due to heavy bombardment. Distressing video footage from Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital depicted individuals carrying wounded children covered in blood, with the emergency room overwhelmed by patients.
Israel's military has stated that Hamas, the group responsible for the initial hostage-taking during the October 7 attacks on Israel, had been holding the captives in multistory civilian buildings. The situation remains tense and volatile in the region as the repercussions of the recent events continue to unfold.
