The Palestinian death toll in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war has reached 20,000, according to a statement issued by the Hamas-run government media office. It also stated the victims included nearly 8,000 children and 6,200 women, while more than 52,000 people were injured and 6,700 others were missing. Israel says more than 130 of its soldiers have died in its ground offensive after Hamas raided southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people in the country. 

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has uncovered a major Hamas command center in the heart of Gaza City, inflicting what it described as a serious blow to the Islamic terrorist group as pressure grows on Israel to scale back its devastating military offensive in the coastal enclave.

(With inputs from agencies)