At least 4,651 people have died in the Gaza Strip since Israel began bombing the Palestinian enclave, following Hamas attacks on Israeli soil, authorities reported. The Gaza Health Ministry added in a statement that 1,873 children were among the dead, and that 14,245 people were injured, the AFP news agency reported. On October 7, militants from the Palestinian movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, infiltrated Israel and killed more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians. More than 4,800 people were injured in the attacks, and about 200 were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. The Israeli Army responded with a total blockade of Gaza and heavy bombing, while saying it is preparing a ground offensive.