Over 350 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip over past 24 hours

At least 352 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, according to the government media office in Gaza.

In a statement, Salama Maarouf, the head of the office, said the Israeli attacks in different areas of Gaza have resulted in the death of 352 Palestinians over the past day.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Health Ministry said on Saturday that the number of wounded has risen to 5,007, including 52 in serious condition, since Oct. 7.

Earlier, the first relief convoy, which comprises a total of 20 trucks, began to enter the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, the Red Crescent said.

Maarouf has called for the Rafah border crossing to remain open to ensure the entry of much-needed humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.