Gaza, Dec 2: The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza claimed that the Palestinian death toll resulting from Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has surpassed 100, hours after a seven-day ceasefire between the two sides expired on Friday morning.
Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qedra said in a press statement that “about 109 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed by the Israeli airstrikes in the Strip”, Xinhua news agency reported.
According to al-Qedra, two Palestinian journalists were among the victims.
Israel and Hamas agreed to a humanitarian truce on November 24. Fighting between the two sides resumed on Friday morning, after Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement and firing at Israeli territory.
Meanwhile, The Israel government has confirmed the death of three hostages who were kidnapped by Hamas after the October 7 mayhem in the country.
The Israel government said in a statement said that Maya Goren, Arye Zalmanovich and Ronen Engel, who were kidnapped on October 7, have died.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which has been agitating across Israel for the release of all those taken hostage, said in a statement on Friday, âWe mourn the death of Maya Goren, who was a kindergarten teacher in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Maya is the mother of Asif, Bar, Gal and Dekel.”
Mayaâs husband Avner Goren (56) was killed on October 7 during the Hamas attack.
The forum also mourned the death Ronen Engle, whose demise was also confirmed by the Israel government.
The forum said in a statement, âWe mourn the death of Ronen Engel, who was killed in captivity. The family has received the tragic news.â
Ronen was a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz in. He was a volunteer health worker and a bike enthusiast. His wife Karina and two children were also kidnapped on October 7, but were released last week.
Arye Zalmanovich (87), grandfather to five children, was one of the founding members of Kibbutz Nir Oz.