Israel updates October 7 attack death toll down to 1,200, Gaza healthcare system "on its knees"

Jerusalem: Israel has revised the death toll resulting from last month's Hamas attacks to approximately 1,200, marking a grim turn in the ongoing conflict with Gaza.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lior Haiat labelled the new number as an "updated estimate."

The reassessment comes as Israel continues its offensive, compelling thousands of Palestinians to flee southward to escape the escalating destruction in Gaza City. The IDF has already killed over 11,000 Palestinians and most of them are civilians including women and children.

Reports from Palestinians highlight deadly strikes on prominent locations, including Al-Shifa Hospital and Al-Buraq School in Gaza City. Al-Quds Hospital also faced sniper fire, with the Israeli army accusing Hamas of utilising medical facilities as command centres and hideouts. The allegations are denied by Hamas authorities.

"There is no safe place left. The army hit Al-Shifa. I don't know what to do," said Abu Mohammad, a 32-year-old seeking refuge at the hospital, to AFP.

As the conflict intensifies near Al-Shifa hospital, Israel claims to have killed numerous militants and destroyed crucial tunnels, impacting Hamas's operational capabilities. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that they have gained control over certain Hamas headquarters in Gaza City.

The conflict erupted when Hamas fighters breached the heavily fortified border on October 7, taking hostages and causing significant casualties, according to Israeli officials. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground campaign.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire to protect civilian lives and facilitate humanitarian aid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea, stating that a ceasefire with Hamas would amount to surrender.

The United Nations and world leaders have condemned the escalating violence, with French President Emmanuel Macron stressing that there is "no justification" for bombing civilians, emphasising the impact on innocent lives.

The conflict has triggered a massive displacement, with almost 1.6 million people internally displaced since October 7, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). However, hundreds of thousands of civilians remain in the most affected areas.

As the situation in Gaza worsens, the health system is described as being "on its knees," with half of the territory's hospitals no longer functioning, according to the head of the World Health Organization. The international community continues to push for an end to the violence and a return to diplomatic solutions.