The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 38,983 Palestinians, Gaza-based health officials said Sunday.
GAZA, July 21 (Xinhua) — The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 38,983 Palestinians, Gaza-based health officials said on Sunday.
Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli army has killed 64 people and injured 105, bringing the total number of victims to 38,983 dead and 89,727 injured since the start of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on October 7, the authorities said in a statement.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its troops were continuing operations in the Gaza Strip on the ground, in the air and at sea.
During their actions in the Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip, “an IDF aircraft identified an armed terrorist cell advancing towards the soldiers, who quickly responded and eliminated the cell,” according to the IDF.
“In the central Gaza Strip, IDF troops carried out targeted operations once morest several military structures and located various types of weaponry,” they added.
In a separate statement released on Sunday, the Israeli army said it had detected the poliovirus in the Palestinian enclave and launched a vaccination campaign targeting its ground troops.
Six environmental samples of the poliovirus type 2 variant have been detected in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on the social network X on Friday, while specifying that no paralytic cases had been recorded.
“The collapse of the health system, lack of security, obstruction of access to care, constant population displacement, shortages of medical supplies, poor water quality and poor sanitation conditions increase the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio,” WHO explained.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. Transmission of the poliovirus is primarily human-to-human and occurs through the faecal-oral route, according to the WHO.
Gaza Strip Death Toll Rises to 38,983 Amidst Israeli Attacks
Palestinians collect reusable items from residential buildings destroyed following an Israeli airstrike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza City, July 20, 2024. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)
Grim Milestone: Death Toll Surpasses 38,000
The ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip have led to a tragic surge in casualties, with the death toll reaching 38,983 Palestinians, according to Gaza-based health authorities as of Sunday, July 21, 2024.
The latest figures reveal a somber reality of the conflict, with 64 Palestinians losing their lives and 105 injured in the past 24 hours. Since the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on October 7, the total number of victims stands at a staggering 38,983 dead and 89,727 injured.
Israeli Military Operations Continue
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip via land, air, and sea. In a statement, the IDF highlighted targeted operations in the Rafah area in southern Gaza, claiming to have eliminated an “armed terrorist cell” advancing towards their troops.
In the central Gaza Strip, the IDF reported conducting operations once morest various military structures and locating weaponry. These actions highlight the ongoing military engagements and the complex situation in the region.
Polio Outbreak Detected in Gaza
Adding to the humanitarian crisis, an outbreak of polio has been detected in Gaza. The Israeli army confirmed the detection of the poliovirus in the Palestinian enclave and initiated a vaccination campaign targeting its ground troops.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the discovery of six environmental samples of the poliovirus type 2 variant in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah. While no paralytic cases have been reported, the WHO expressed concern over the potential for widespread transmission.
The WHO emphasized the precarious health situation in Gaza. The collapse of the healthcare system, lack of security, limited access to care, constant displacement, medical supply shortages, and poor sanitation conditions create a fertile ground for vaccine-preventable diseases like polio.
Understanding the Polio Virus
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects children under five. Transmission occurs mainly through person-to-person contact via the fecal-oral route.
International Response and Concerns
The escalating conflict in Gaza and the detection of polio have sparked international concern. The international community, including humanitarian organizations and governments, is urging a ceasefire and calling for urgent humanitarian aid to address the dire situation in Gaza.
Further Considerations
The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to have a devastating impact on the civilian population, raising serious concerns regarding human rights violations, the destruction of infrastructure, and the health and safety of civilians in Gaza amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Key Highlights:
- The death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza has reached 38,983 Palestinians.
- Israeli military operations continue in Gaza via land, air, and sea.
- A polio outbreak has been detected in Gaza, raising concerns regarding disease transmission.
- The international community is calling for a ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Call to Action
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, it is crucial to stay informed regarding the latest developments and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Supporting humanitarian organizations working on the ground in Gaza is also essential in providing much-needed aid and assistance to the affected population.
