From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 26, 2024
Gaza war death toll climbs to 40,435, Hamas health ministry says
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 40,435 Palestinians have been killed and 93,534 have been wounded in Israel’s war against Hamas, which was sparked by the terror group’s October 7 onslaught on Israel.
The toll cannot be verified and does not differentiate between civilians and fighters. Israel says it has killed some 17,000 combatants in battle and some 1,000 terrorists inside Israel during the October 7 attack. Israel has said it seeks to minimize civilian fatalities and stresses that Hamas uses Gaza’s civilians as human shields, fighting from civilian areas including homes, hospitals, schools, and mosques.
Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and in military operations along the border with the Strip stands at 340.
