JERUSALEM

The Israeli Health Ministry on Friday said the number of Israelis injured since the start of the armed conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 has risen to 4,834.

According to a ministry statement, 12 people are in critical condition, 280 are in serious condition, 771 are in moderate condition, and the rest have sustained minor injuries.

It noted that 301 injured Israelis are still being treated in hospitals.

The Israeli death toll stands at 1,400 since October 7, according to Israeli official statements.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began 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.

At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar