Gaza Death Toll Rises As Israel-Hamas War Rages On

Gaza Death Toll Rises As Israel-Hamas War Rages On

Gaza Death Toll Rises As Israel-Hamas War Rages On:The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported that at least 1,055 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel began airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave Saturday in response to Hamas’ attacks

The Ministry has reported that a further 5,184 people have been injured. Since Saturday, at least 1,200 people have died in Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The  Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza, and said he would halt the supply of electricity, food, water and fuel to the enclave.

The Hamas-controlled government in Gaza said on Wednesday that electricity supply “will completely stop within hours,” limiting the ability to provide basic services.

On Monday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said it has been forced to close all 14 of its food distribution centers in Gaza and “as a result half a million people have stopped receiving vital food aid.”

Gaza is one of the most densely populated places on Earth, where some 2 million people live in an area of 140 square miles. More than half of its population lives in poverty and is food insecure, with nearly 80% relying on humanitarian assistance.