Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza Tops 69,000

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza health officials report over 69,000 Palestinians have died in the Israel-Hamas war. The death toll has risen due to bodies being recovered since the ceasefire began on Oct. 10. Israel and Hamas have exchanged bodies under the ceasefire agreement, with Israel returning 15 Palestinian bodies on Saturday. The ceasefire aims to wind down the conflict, which began with a Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian farmers and others in the West Bank, with violence reaching new highs during the olive harvest. Rights groups say arrests for settler violence are rare.