The war began when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage. They are still holding 53 captives, less than half of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

The group, which has been harshly criticized by the U.N. and other aid providers, said at least five people had died in an attack on one of its buses.

The Gaza Health Ministry says that the Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war has climbed past 55,000.