Israel Launches Ground Invasion in Gaza, Over 590 Killed as Death Toll Surpasses 61,700

Israel’s military has begun a ground operation in southern Gaza’s Rafah and is advancing toward Beit Lahiya in the north. Since breaking the ceasefire on Tuesday, over 590 Palestinians have been killed, including 200 children, with more than 1,000 injured. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 61,700, with many still missing under rubble. Israel’s Prime Minister warns of intensifying conflict in the West Bank as well. UNICEF reports that over 200 children have died since the resumption of hostilities. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 49,617 deaths and 112,950 injuries. The Government Media Office updated the toll to over 61,700. The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks killed at least 1,139 Israelis, with over 200 taken captive.

Israel Launches Ground Invasion in Gaza, Over 590 Killed as Death Toll Surpasses 61,700

Israeli forces have begun a major ground operation in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, focusing on the Shaboura neighborhood. This comes as violence escalates following the collapse of a ceasefire earlier this week. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 591 Palestinians have been killed, including 200 children, and more than 1,000 injured since Tuesday when Israel resumed military action. Since this morning alone, 110 people have lost their lives due to intensified airstrikes and ground attacks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning, suggesting that the conflict could spread to the West Bank, where tensions are already high, alongside the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. The Health Ministry reports that over 49,600 Palestinians have been killed and 112,000 injured since the war began in October 2023. However, Gaza’s Government Media Office updated the death toll to more than 61,700, explaining that this figure includes thousands still missing under rubble and presumed dead.

Northern and Central Gaza Under Fire In addition to the Rafah offensive, Israeli troops are advancing into northern Gaza near Beit Lahiya and central areas. UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency, highlighted that over 200 children have been killed in just the past week since military operations resumed. Rescue teams struggle to reach survivors as bombings destroy homes and infrastructure, leaving many trapped under debris.

October 7 Attacks and Hostage Crisis The current war traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched surprise attacks in Israel, killing at least 1,139 people and taking over 200 hostages. Israel responded with airstrikes and a full-scale siege of Gaza, which later expanded into ground operations.

Casualties Mount Daily The number of dead and wounded rises relentlessly. Gaza’s Health Ministry updates its counts daily, but officials stress that many bodies remain buried under collapsed buildings, making exact figures difficult to confirm. Hospitals, already crippled by shortages of supplies and electricity, are overwhelmed. “The world watches as children are pulled from rubble every day,” said a UNICEF spokesperson. “This war spares no one.”

International Concerns Grow Global leaders and aid groups have repeatedly called for ceasefires and increased humanitarian aid access. Yet, fighting continues to intensify, particularly in Rafah, where displaced families had previously sought shelter. With Netanyahu vowing to “eliminate Hamas,” there are fears that the ground invasion could worsen civilian suffering.

In the West Bank, clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups have also surged, sparking worries of a broader regional conflict. Over 200 Palestinians have been killed there since October, according to local authorities.

A War With No End in Sight As the ground invasion expands, hopes for a lasting truce fade. Families in Gaza describe nights filled with explosions and days spent searching for food and safety. “We have nowhere left to go,” said a mother in Rafah, holding her injured child. Meanwhile, Hamas insists it will continue fighting until Israel withdraws entirely from Gaza.

The UN warns that Gaza’s infrastructure—homes, schools, roads—has been “reduced to rubble,” leaving millions homeless and without basic services. With winter approaching, concerns over disease outbreaks and starvation are mounting.

Both sides remain entrenched in their positions, and with international mediation efforts stalled, the cycle of violence shows no signs of slowing.