Gaza death toll soars to 31,300 since Oct. 7

The Palestinian death toll from Israel’s deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has soared to 31,272, the Health Ministry in the enclave said on March 13.

A ministry statement added that 73,024 people have also been injured in the onslaught.

“At least 88 people were killed and 135 others injured in Israeli attacks in the last 24 hours,” the ministry said, per Anadolu.

“Many people are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” it added.

According to the ministry, around 72% of the Palestinian victims were women and children.

The bombardment in Gaza is now into its sixth month after Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's responding military campaign in Gaza has led to increased scrutiny across the world, as the growing risk of famine is now adding to a death toll.