The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says the death toll has surpassed 15,200 and that 70% of those killed were women and children. The figure was announced Saturday by ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra, who did not provide further details. The previous toll given by the ministry was more than 13,300 dead. Al-Qidra did not explain the sharp jump. However, the ministry had only been able to provide sporadic updates since Nov. 11, amid problems with connectivity and major war-related disruptions in hospital operations. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
