Gaza's Death Toll Hits 1458

Six Palestinians were killed early on Friday by an Israeli strike, targeting a group of people in the southern Gaza Strip City of Khan Younis, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.



"The new fatalities raise to 1458 death toll in the Gaza Strip from Israel's naval, aerial and ground attacks since July 7," Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qodra told Anadolu Agency.



He added that 15 more Palestinians were injured by the same Israeli strike, noting that the latest casualties bring the number of Gaza's injured victims from Israel's military offensive to 8375 in total so far.



The United Nations and the United States managed to get assurances from the Palestinians and the Israelis that they are ready to abide by a 72-hour humanitarian truce that will start at 8: 00am Gaza local time (0500 GMT) on Friday.



The two sides are due to engage in talks in Cairo on a durable agreement that prevents the flare-up of violence between them in the future.



Israel's military offensive, however, has left vast areas of the Gaza Strip in total ruin. Thousands of Gaza homes were either totally or partially destroyed by Israeli attacks.



Israel also lost around 53 of its troops in Gaza combat and three additional civilians to rockets fired from the Gaza Strip.



By Mustafa Haboosh



englishnews@aa.com.tr



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