More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s military offensive began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The conflict, which started on October 7, 2023, has caused widespread devastation, with thousands injured and infrastructure destroyed. Israeli authorities dispute the figures, while media access remains restricted.
More than 50,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since Israel launched its military offensive, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The reported death toll accounts for approximately 2.1% of Gaza’s pre-war population of 2.3 million, with over 113,000 others injured.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched an attack on Israel that left around 1,200 people dead and saw 251 taken hostage. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign that has led to widespread destruction and loss of life in Gaza. While the United Nations and international organizations consider Gaza’s health ministry figures credible, Israeli authorities have repeatedly challenged their accuracy.
Due to Israeli restrictions, foreign journalists, including those from major news agencies, have been unable to independently verify casualty numbers. The reported figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, though previous UN assessments suggest nearly 70% of those killed have been women and children.
In January, a study published in The Lancet suggested the real death toll might be significantly higher than official reports, possibly by as much as 41%. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with infrastructure devastated and thousands displaced.
As the conflict rages on, international bodies have renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire, urging both sides to seek a political resolution to prevent further loss of life. However, with military operations ongoing, the death toll is expected to rise.
