GAZA CITY: At least 12 additional Palestinians were reported killed in ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, increasing the total death toll since October 2023 to 45,553. This was confirmed by the Health Ministry in the enclave on Wednesday, highlighting the unrelenting nature of the conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Health Ministry's statement further detailed that approximately 108,379 individuals have sustained injuries as a result of the continuous assaults. The ministry described recent incidents, stating, "Israeli forces killed 12 people and injured 41 others in two massacres of families in the last 48 hours." The situation remains dire as many individuals are reportedly trapped beneath rubble and on inaccessible roads, hindering rescue efforts.

The conflict, which has persisted since a Hamas attack in October 2023, has drawn intense international scrutiny and criticism. Despite a United Nations Security Council resolution advocating for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has maintained its military campaign in Gaza. The second year of this ongoing conflict has led to increasing global condemnation, with numerous officials and institutions characterizing the attacks and blockade of aid as actions aimed at systematically dismantling the population.

In a significant legal development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice concerning its actions in the region.