At least 40 Palestinians have been killed and 73 others injured in the last 24 hours as Israeli airstrikes continue across the besieged Gaza Strip, according to a statement from Gaza`s Ministry of Health.

Since the beginning of Israel`s military campaign in October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 51,065, with over 116,505 wounded. Women and children account for 56 percent of the casualties.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when fighters from Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israeli territory, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a full-scale offensive in Gaza, which has continued for over 15 months. Under international pressure, Israel announced a ceasefire on January 19, 2025. 

However, the IDF resumed operations less than two months later, on March 18. In just one day of renewed fighting, more than 1,500 Palestinians were killed.

Of the 251 hostages initially taken by Hamas, it is believed that at least 35 remain alive. The IDF has vowed to rescue them through ongoing military efforts.

Despite repeated calls from the United Nations and the international community to end the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued the military campaign. A genocide case has been filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Meanwhile, protests have erupted within Israel demanding a halt to the war and prioritisation of the hostages` release.