161 health workers killed in line of duty in Gaza since October 7 - WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said more than 160 health workers have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict began.

Some of these people died with their families. A total of 161 medical workers have died in the line of duty in Gaza since October 7, said WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier. At a briefing in Geneva, he clarified that the data is given without taking into account the family members of these professionals. The total number is certainly higher.

On the morning of October 7, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented missile attack from the Gaza Strip. Later, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas in the south of the country, military and civilians came under fire, and more than 200 hostages were taken. The movement's military wing announced the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded in the Gaza Strip by launching Operation Iron Swords against Hamas. Within days, the IDF took control of all population centers near the Gaza border and began conducting airstrikes against targets within the enclave. Israel declared a complete blockade of Gaza. Water, food, electricity, medicine and fuel supplies were suspended there, the agency notes.

The number of dead in the Gaza Strip exceeded 10 thousand, about half of them - children. About 25 thousand people are wounded.