ISTANBUL

The death toll from an Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza has reached 471, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave said Wednesday.

In a statement, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said 342 people suffered injuries of varying severity, including 28 in serious condition.

Israel has denied responsibility for the air raid on the hospital.

According to the ministry, 70% of the Palestinian victims from the Israeli assault on Gaza were children, women, and the elderly.

The conflict began on Oct. 7 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.

Amid worldwide condemnation, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.