Hamas-controlled health ministry reports 700 fatalities within 24 hours amid Gaza strikes.

Over the past 24 hours, more than 700 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel's military has claimed to have targeted and killed several Hamas commanders as well as striking 400 "terror targets". Despite Hamas's release of two hostages, Israel has declared that it will not reduce its attacks. The UN has appealed for sustained and safe humanitarian access to Gaza, as a third of hospitals are no longer functioning due to shortages of electricity, medicine, and staff. The shortage of clean water is also critical. The current bombing campaign by Israel against Hamas began as a response to a cross-border attack on 7 October. Since then, nearly 5,800 people have been killed in Gaza. The recent air strikes have hit numerous locations across Gaza, including residential areas where displaced people sought refuge. The IDF has stated that it intends to dismantle Hamas completely by attacking its leaders and military infrastructure. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with shortages of food, water, and shelter affecting the 1.4 million people who have had to leave their homes. The healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, as many hospitals are out of service and those still operating are running out of fuel. UNRWA, the largest humanitarian operation in Gaza, has almost exhausted its fuel stocks and states that it will be forced to halt operations if immediate fuel supplies are not received. The UN has faced challenges in delivering aid across Gaza due to security issues and limited access. Medical supplies and personnel have also faced restrictions. The World Health Organization has warned about the lack of essential supplies, particularly fuel, which is necessary for desalination plants, bakeries, and hospitals. The shortage of clean water is critical, as people are getting access to only 1-3 liters of water per day, compared to the WHO's recommended minimum of 15 liters per day. The World Food Programme has reduced food rations to ensure that as many people as possible can be reached. Israel has agreed to limited aid deliveries to Gaza, excluding fuel, due to concerns of it being exploited by Hamas. The IDF has accused Hamas of stealing diesel from civilians and using it for military purposes.