Gaza death toll surpasses 10,000 as conflict enters 2nd month

2023-11-07 08:36:20

The total number of Palestinian deaths in Gaza reached 10,022, including 4,104 children and 2,641 women, since the latest round of Hamas-Israel conflict started on Oct. 7, Gaza's health ministry said .

Gaza is becoming a "graveyard for children", U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Monday, amplifying demands for a ceasefire in the enclave, where Palestinian health authorities said the death toll from Israeli strikes had exceeded 10,000.

Both Israel and the Hamas militants who control Gaza have rebuffed mounting international pressure for a ceasefire. Israel says hostages taken by Hamas during its rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7 should be released first; Hamas says it will not free them or stop fighting while Gaza is under assault.

"Ground operations by the Israel Defense Forces and continued bombardment are hitting civilians, hospitals, refugee camps, mosques, churches and U.N. facilities – including shelters. No one is safe," Guterres told reporters.