Israel-Hamas war: Death toll in Gaza crosses 9,000

The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said Friday the death toll since the start of Israel's war against the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in the territory reached 9,227.

The ministry said 3,826 children and 2,405 women were among the dead.

Meanwhile, the conflict entered its 28th day on Friday after the 7 October attacks when Hamas militants stormed the border, killing 1,400 people and kidnapping more than 240, Israeli officials say.

Israeli army encircles Gaza City

Fresh Israeli strikes hit northern Gaza on Friday, with the health ministry reporting at least 15 deaths in Gaza City’s Zeitun neighbourhood and seven in the Jabalia refugee camp.

Late on Thursday, the army said its troops had encircled Gaza City, prompting a warning from Hamas’ military wing which said Gaza would be a “curse” for Israel which would see its soldiers going home “in black bags”.

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On Friday morning, the militants said they were engaged in close combat with Israeli troops northwest of Beit Lahia and had also fired missiles at Israeli military vehicles, without saying where.

With AFP inputs