Sat Apr 19 11:46:28 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Death Toll Rises Above 90 Amidst Intensified Israeli Strikes
**Khan Younis, Gaza Strip –** Israeli strikes in Gaza have claimed the lives of over 90 Palestinians in the past 48 hours, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The escalating attacks, aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages and disarm, have resulted in the deaths of women and children, some of whom were sheltering in designated humanitarian zones. At least 11 fatalities occurred in Khan Younis, with several deaths reported in a designated humanitarian area housing displaced persons. Further casualties were reported in Rafah.
Israel has vowed to intensify its offensive and occupy large areas within the Gaza Strip, continuing a six-week blockade that has severely limited the entry of food and essential goods. The United Nations reports that thousands of children are malnourished and most residents are surviving on a single meal a day.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, to pressure Israel to lift the blockade to allow the passage of medicine and aid. Ambassador Huckabee, in his first official appearance, visited the Western Wall and stated that efforts are underway to secure the release of remaining hostages.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas attacks on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals. While many hostages have been released, the ongoing Israeli offensive has, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, resulted in over 51,000 Palestinian deaths. The war has caused widespread destruction and displacement, with approximately 90% of Gaza’s population now displaced.
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