5,000 civilians killed in Gaza, including 2,000 children — Hamas

The Hill reported the information.

According to the Hamas-led Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 5,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, including over 2,000 children. 

On Tuesday, October 24, Israel declared an escalation in its aerial bombardment campaign in Gaza, as part of preparations for an anticipated ground offensive.

The Hill noted that on Monday, 23 October, the Israeli Defence Forces carried out over 400 strikes in Gaza, which is more than 320 strikes the day before. According to the Israeli government, these strikes were aimed at the Hamas leadership and military targets, but more and more civilians have been killed as a result of the conflict.

The recent series of airstrikes targeted various locations throughout Gaza, extending to the southern region, where the Israel Defense Forces ordered civilians to take refuge to avoid danger.

"We continue to attack forcefully in Gaza City and its environs, where Hamas is building up its terrorist infrastructure, where Hamas is arraying its troops," said IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

The expected ground invasion of Gaza has raised fears of an escalation of the conflict, as militant groups across the region have hinted that they may join the fight if Israel sends troops to the region.

However, the US has advised Israel to postpone the invasion, arguing that the tactic could help free over 200 hostages still under Hamas' control.

US Senator Peter Welch from Vermont made a similar statement, urging the Israeli military not to send troops into Gaza.

"There is no doubt that an imminent ground invasion would be catastrophic for innocent Palestinians in Gaza and jeopardise urgent efforts to save hostages," he said in a statement. "Israel has the absolute right to attack Hamas for the brutal, heinous slaughter of more than 1,400 Israelis and the taking of more than 200 hostages.”

"But, Israel also has a responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians living in Gaza, including one million children," Welch added. "Already, more than 5,000 Palestinians have died."

• On October 22, the Ministry of Health, run by Hamas, said that the death toll from rocket attacks in Gaza had risen to 4,651 Palestinians.

• The approximate number of hostages held by Hamas militants has increased to 222, according to an Israeli Defence Forces spokesman.

• The Emir of Qatar called on the international community not to give Israel “free license to kill" Palestinians. He called it a dangerous escalation that threatens global security.