The Gaza Health Ministry, a part of the Hamas-run government, reports that over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the 21-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to the ministry, the death toll has reached 60,034, and 145,870 others have been injured since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
The ministry’s figures do not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties, but they indicate women and children constitute approximately half of the total fatalities.
Staffed by medical professionals, the ministry’s casualty counts are generally considered by the United Nations and other independent bodies as the most reliable available.
Israel’s military campaign has resulted in widespread destruction across Gaza, displacing approximately 90% of the population and triggering a severe humanitarian crisis, with famine warnings issued by experts.
In the initial Hamas attack that triggered the war, approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, were killed, and 251 individuals were taken hostage. As of now, 50 captives remain, with around 20 believed to still be alive, following releases during ceasefires and other agreements.
A significant escalation occurred in early March when Israel implemented a blockade, preventing the entry of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies.
Subsequently, Israel ended a ceasefire with a surprise bombardment and initiated the seizure of significant portions of Gaza, actions the nation stated were intended to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages.
Since then, at least 8,867 Palestinians have been killed.
