ISTANBUL, November 22. /TASS/. More than 14,000 people have been killed and over 30,000 were injured as a result of the Israeli army's attacks in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian Health Minister Mai Al-Kaila said.

"So far we have more than 14,000 dead, more than 30,000 injured, many are under the rubble. More than 6,000 people are reported missing, including 1,800 children. Most of the dead, wounded and missing are women, children and the elderly. Israel has launched a war against civilians, which is unacceptable. It is against international law," she said during a TRT Haber TV broadcast.

According to Al-Kaila, twenty-six hospitals in the region have been put out of service as a result of the Israeli operation. "We have nine hospitals with 1,200 beds. This is absolutely insufficient to provide medical care," she said.

Hamas officials reported on November 21 that there have been more than 14,000 fatalities and 33,000 casualties as a result of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 when Hamas militants staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 200 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. Israel has announced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and has been delivering air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also underway in the West Bank.