Palestinian death toll from Israel-Hamas war surges past 38,000, Gaza Health Ministry says

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says the Palestinian death toll from nearly nine months of war has surged past 38,000. The ministry said Thursday that in the last 24 hours, the bodies of 58 people have been brought to hospitals, bringing the overall death toll to 38,011. The ministry does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants in its count, but many of the dead are said to be women and children. Israel’s Cabinet is set to convene to discuss Hamas’ latest response to a U.S.-backed proposal for a phased cease-fire in Gaza. Diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the nine-month war appear to have stirred back to life after a weekslong hiatus.