The number of casualties in the Gaza Strip has surpassed 10,300 since the escalation of the Middle East conflict, according to Ashraf al-Qidra, a representative of the Palestinian Ministry of Health. He stated in a briefing that “since October 7th, more than 10,328 people have fallen victim to Israeli aggression. 25,956 people have been injured, including 4,237 children.” Previous reports indicated that the death toll had reached ten thousand, with 24,800 injured.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is rooted in territorial interests and has been a source of tension and clashes in the region for decades, has seen a new wave of confrontation. This began after Israel experienced an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7th. Following a massive bombardment, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas in the south of the Jewish state, firing at both military and civilian targets, and taking hostages. The military wing of the organization, the “Al-Qassam Brigades,” announced the launch of the “Al-Aqsa Deluge” operation. Over 1,400 people, including 20 Russians, have died in Israel. Additionally, estimates suggest that around 200-250 individuals may be held captive by Hamas.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces initiated the “Operation Iron Swords” in the Gaza Strip. Over the course of several days, Israeli forces gained control of all populated areas along the border and began launching airstrikes on various targets, including civilian sites, within the enclave. Furthermore, Israel declared a complete blockade on Gaza, suspending the supply of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel. Moscow called on both sides to cease hostilities. According to Vladimir Putin, the Middle East crisis can only be resolved based on the “two-state” formula approved by the UN Security Council, which involves the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in territorial interests, has been a source of tension and clashes in the region for decades. The UN, with active involvement from the USSR in 1947, decided to establish two states – Israel and Palestine. However, only Israel was created. The recent escalation in tensions began after Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip as part of Hamas’ “Al-Aqsa Deluge” operation. Following this, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas in the south of Israel, targeting both military and civilian individuals and taking more than 200 hostages. According to local authorities, over 1,400 people have died in Israel, including 300 military personnel, and over five thousand have been injured. In response, the Israel Defense Forces launched “Operation Iron Swords” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Over the course of several days, Israeli forces gained control of all populated areas along the border and launched airstrikes on various targets, including civilian sites, within the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Israel declared a complete blockade, halting the supply of water, food, electricity, medicine, and fuel. The Russian Embassy reported that 20 Russians have died during the conflict, with two individuals being held hostage and seven missing. Estimates suggest that around 150 Israelis may be held captive by Hamas. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on both sides to cease hostilities. According to President Vladimir Putin, the Middle East crisis can only be resolved based on the “two-state” formula approved by the UN Security Council, which involves the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
