The number of people killed since fighting between rival militias escalated in the Libyan capital Tripoli is at least 653, while at least 3,547 people have been wounded, the United Nations said on Monday.
"The toll for the ongoing conflict in Libya's capital is 653 dead, including 41 civilians, and 3,547 wounded, including 126 civilians," the World Health Organisation in Libya tweeted.
"Among the civilians hurt this past week are 3 health workers," read the tweet.
The battle for Tripoli began in early April when eastern warlord Khalif Haftar ordered an assault on the city. Militiamen from Haftar's self-styled Libyan National army have failed to advance beyond Tripoli's southern outskirts amid armed resistance from militias loyal to the UN-backed government.
Italy has been at the forefront of so far unsuccessful diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire in Tripoli and the resumption of peace talks between the warring sides in Libya - a former Italian colony.
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