Death toll from conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas crosses 1600 on both sides

The death toll from the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas has crossed 1600 on both sides. According to different media reports, more than 900 Israelis have been reportedly killed with at least 2,600 injured, and dozens taken captive while at least 687 Palestinians have been killed and 3,726 wounded. 

Israel has called for complete siege of Gaza and sealed it off from food, fuel, and other supplies and also called up an unprecedented three lakh reservists. In a fiery speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge accusing Hamas of executing tied-up children and other atrocities. Hamas has threatened to kill captured Israelis if attacks targeted Palestinian civilians without warnings. 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that nearly One Lakh 37,000 people were taking shelter



with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the U.N. agency that provides essential services to Palestinians.

UNICEF has warned that the humanitarian situation in the conflict zone is "rapidly detereorating", and said aid workers need to have safe passage to bring lifesaving services and supplies to children and families. UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell on Monday night reminded all parties in the war that it is children who suffer first and suffer most. She also called for the immediate and safe release of any children being held hostage in Gaza so that they can be reunited with their families or caregivers. 

She added that she was deeply concerned about measures to block electricity and prevent food, fuel and water from entering Gaza, which may put the lives of children at risk.