World

Gaza death toll tops 24,000 as UN agencies call urgently for more aid

By Associated Press

FILE - Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel. Photo: AP

GAZA, JANUARY 17

Israeli strikes hit Gaza City and soldiers battled militants in southern Gaza on Monday as the heads of three major UN agencies said the enclave desperately needs more aid to ward off famine and disease outbreaks.

More than 100 days into Israel's war against Hamas, Palestinian authorities said the death toll in the enclave passed 24,000.

The Oct. 7 Hamas attack from Gaza into southern Israel that triggered the war killed around 1,200 people and saw some 250 others taken hostage by militants.