The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Monday that the death toll from Israel’s ongoing assault on the Strip has reached 60,933, with 150,027 injured since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate under siege and escalating famine.
In the past 24 hours alone, the ministry reported 94 new fatalities—including four bodies recovered from beneath the rubble—and 439 injuries. According to ministry data, since 18 March 2025, 9,440 people have been killed and 37,986 injured, highlighting the scale of recent escalations.
Among those known locally as “Breadline Martyrs,” who were killed while trying to secure food aid, 29 were reported dead over the past day, with 300 others injured. This brings the total number of these victims to 1,516 killed and over 10,067 injured since the beginning of the crisis.
Beyond casualties from bombardment, the ministry confirmed five new deaths due to famine and malnutrition, all adults, raising the overall number of famine-related fatalities to 180, including 93 children.
The crisis continues to deepen amid severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that Israel allowed in only 14% of the required aid over the past eight days, alleging that some convoys were “systematically looted as part of a policy to engineer chaos and starvation.”
In a recent escalation, the Israeli army bombed the headquarters of the Palestinian Red Crescent in the southern city of Khan Younis, resulting in casualties among medical staff. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the attack as “horrific,” extended condolences to the victims’ families, and renewed calls to halt assaults on healthcare and humanitarian workers. He also reiterated demands for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, issued a message to Israelis via Telegram, warning that “military pressure means your captives will return in coffins,” and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “gambling with your children.”
Separately, Palestinian media reported that nine Palestinian detainees were transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital via the Kissufim crossing in eastern Deir al-Balah after being released by Israeli forces. No official statement was issued regarding the circumstances of their release.
On the international front, the Australian government pledged an additional AU$20m (approximately $13m) in humanitarian aid focused on women and children in Gaza. This new commitment brings Australia’s total aid pledged for civilians in Gaza and Lebanon to over $130m. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the move followed Israel’s announcement of new humanitarian corridors in response to worsening conditions.
The announcement came a day after a massive demonstration in Sydney, where an estimated 90,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge under heavy rain and strong winds to protest Israel’s military operations and highlight the humanitarian crisis. Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter McKenna described it as the largest gathering ever seen on the bridge. Organisers estimated attendance between 200,000 and 300,000 people, while additional pro-Palestinian demonstrations were also held in Melbourne and Sydney on Sunday.
