Over 70,000 Dead in Gaza; Netanyahu Apologises in Corruption Cases

Gaza City/Tel Aviv: The death toll in Gaza due to Israeli attacks has surpassed 70,000. Since October 7, 2023, 70,100 people have been killed and 170,965 seriously injured.

Even after the recent ceasefire agreement, over 300 people have died, as airstrikes and building demolitions continue. In southern Gaza’s Khan Yunis, two siblings were among the casualties of Israeli drone strikes, which Israel says target Hamas militants.

Hamas representatives have met in Turkey to address ceasefire violations, calling for intervention by neutral countries. Beyond Gaza, Israel has conducted attacks in Syria and Lebanon, with 13 people, including children, killed in Damascus. Resettlement operations in Gaza have yet to begin, and the Israeli army has not withdrawn.

Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an apology to President Isaac Herzog, requesting exemption from three ongoing corruption cases, including charges related to receiving gifts worth millions of dollars. Trials for cases registered in 2019 are still underway. In October, US President Donald Trump had urged Herzog to pardon Netanyahu during his speech to the Israeli Parliament and sent a follow-up letter in November.

The dual developments highlight ongoing violence in Gaza and political turbulence in Israel, with both issues drawing international attention.