Gaza death toll surpasses 40,000 as Palestinian health officials confirm grim milestone in ongoing conflict

The conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with a staggering death toll of over 40,000 people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. This number represents approximately 1.7% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million. The majority of the dead are civilians, with many more injured and displaced. Satellite image analysis suggests that nearly 60% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since the beginning of the war. The Israeli military has claimed to have killed and captured over 14,000 militants.