Rabat – The death toll from Israeli aggression on Gaza has risen to 47,283 as medics continue to recover bodies from under the rubble, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Thursday.
The increase comes during the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, which began on Sunday and has allowed rescue efforts to resume in previously inaccessible areas.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 120 bodies were retrieved in the last 24 hours, while 306 injured people were transferred to hospitals, bringing the total number of injuries to 111,472.
Many victims remain trapped under collapsed buildings, and rescuers are struggling to reach them due to the extensive destruction.
The six-week ceasefire has temporarily halted Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which began in October 2023. The war has caused widespread destruction, leaving more than 11,000 people missing.
The ceasefire deal was brokered by Qatar and the US and announced by US President Joe Biden on January 15.
The first phase of the deal involves a temporary ceasefire and the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas over the next six weeks. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw from parts of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. The first phase also includes increased aid flow into the war-torn strip.
The second phase will see the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, with remaining Israeli hostages exchanged for More Palestinian prisoners and Israeli forces making a complete withdrawal.
The third and final stage of the deal includes the return of all remaining bodies of dead hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel reserves the right to break the ceasefire at any time.
