Over 25,000 women, children killed in Gaza since October 7, says US Defence Secretary Austin

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday that more than 25,000 women and children have been killed by Israel since October 7.

During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Austin said “It is over 25,000.“Austin added that about 21,000 precision-guided munitions had been provided to Israel since the start of its war in Gaza.

He added that Israel can and should do more to protect civilians.

Earlier today, Palestinian health officials claimed that Israeli troops fired on a large crowd of Palestinians racing to pull food off an aid convoy in Gaza City.

Israeli officials acknowledged that troops opened fire, saying they did so after the crowd approached in a threatening way. The officials insisted on anonymity to give details about what happened, after the military said in a statement that “dozens were killed and injured from pushing, trampling and being run over by the trucks.”

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U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States was still trying to determine what happened in Gaza City. When asked if the loss of life would complicate efforts broker a cease-fire, he said, “I know it will.”

Gaza City and the surrounding areas in the enclave’s north were the first targets of Israel’s air, sea and ground offensive, launched in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan accused Israel of targeting civilians in the incident. In separate statements, they called for increased safe passages for humanitarian aid and for the international community to take decisive action to pressure Israel to abide by international law and to reach an agreement for an immediate cease-fire.

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With inputs from agencies.