71 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza in 24 hours; Starvation death toll rises to 273

CAIRO – 22 August 2025: At least 71 Palestinians were killed and 251 injured across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, according to health authorities in Gaza, as Israeli war continues to batter the enclave for more than 22 months.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, the health ministry in the enclave reported two more deaths due to widespread starvation and malnutrition, raising the total to 273, including 112 children.

According to the latest update, the total number of Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023, has reached 62,263, with 157,365 injured. The toll reportedly does not include those killed due to hunger.

Among the fatalities, 10,717 people have been killed and 45,324 have been wounded since March 18, when Israel shattered a ceasefire with Hamas that persisted for two months.

Rescue efforts remain severely hampered. Health officials report that many victims remain trapped under rubble or lying on streets, unreachable due to ongoing bombardments and the collapse of civil defense and ambulance services.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced on Wednesday the launch of a widely condemned operation to seize control of Gaza City, home to around one million people before the operation, raising grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation.

Israel’s intentions to reoccupy Gaza have sparked strong condemnation, even from Israel’s closest Western allies, amidst fears over a looming famine.

Israel has imposed heavy restrictions on aid deliveries, which amounted to full blockade for nearly three months earlier this year.

Israeli forces have vowed to continue the war until Hamas is defeated despite global calls underlining the necessity of an immediate ceasefire to stop the bloodshed and halt the humanitarian suffering.

On Friday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz escalated rhetoric, warning that “soon, the gates of hell will open” in Gaza City if Hamas refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war, chiefly, the release of all captives and Hamas’ disarmament.

“If they do not agree, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” Katz said in a social media post, referencing cities that have been devastated by Israeli military operations and largely depopulated.