The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened dramatically, with the death toll from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war crossing 66,000. According to Gaza&rsquo;s Health Ministry, 66,005 people have been killed and more than 168,000 injured since the October 7, 2023 attacks triggered Israel&rsquo;s full-scale military response. In the last 24 hours alone, 79 new deaths were recorded.
While the ministry functions under Hamas, its figures are widely regarded as credible by the United Nations and international humanitarian experts, particularly because half of the victims are women and children. Gaza has been devastated by relentless airstrikes, with large swathes reduced to rubble and nearly 90% of the population displaced. Experts have warned of famine in Gaza City, where food, clean water, and medical supplies are nearly exhausted.
Despite mounting global appeals for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled no change in strategy. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he defended Israel&rsquo;s continued offensive, repeatedly referencing the October 7 attacks.
Drawing a stark comparison, Netanyahu said: &ldquo;Granting the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is akin to granting al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11. This is sheer madness. It's insane, and we won&rsquo;t do it.&rdquo;
He also lashed out at Western governments moving to recognise a Palestinian state, calling it a &ldquo;horribly wrong&rdquo; step that would embolden terrorism. &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t do something right. You did something wrong, horribly wrong,&rdquo; Netanyahu told global leaders, insisting that Israel would press on until its objectives were met.
As famine, displacement, and casualties rise, the international community faces renewed pressure to push for peace, but the conflict shows no sign of easing.

Gaza Toll Crosses 66,000 Amid Famine Crisis

Israel-Hamas war deepens as Gaza death toll soars, famine grips civilians, pressure mounts

Gaza Toll Crosses 66,000 Amid Famine Crisis

Israel-Hamas war deepens as Gaza death toll soars, famine grips civilians, pressure mounts

September 28, 2025 | 23:09 IST