The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in a devastating toll on the people of Palestine. According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, the death toll has reached at least 21,507 people, with 187 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours. Additionally, 55,915 people have been wounded in Gaza during the fighting. Since the conflict began on October 7, over 80 percent of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced from their homes, as reported by the United Nations.

From SEVEN YEARS ago(!): "An observer might think Hamas’ decision... to construct a military infrastructure beneath Gaza... would be deemed newsworthy, if only because... the next conflict would... [kill] innocent people. But that is not the case." https://t.co/Orx6vBiaTZ

— Alec Rogers ⚾⚖️🍸 (@alecrogers1968) December 29, 2023

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has stated that 308 people seeking shelter in their facilities have been killed during the war, and 1,095 have been wounded while taking refuge at UN sites. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack, which left approximately 1,140 people dead, mostly civilians. Around 250 hostages were also taken during the attack, with more than half of them remaining in captivity according to Israel. The situation in Gaza is dire, and it is crucial for international efforts to be made to bring about a lasting ceasefire and humanitarian aid to the people affected by this devastating conflict.