Israel Acknowledges High Death Toll in Gaza Conflict

Israel’s Military Accepts Gaza Death Toll for First Time

An Israeli army official confirmed on Thursday that approximately 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023. This figure is consistent with estimates provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, which reported at least 71,662 deaths as of January 27 this year.

The ministry also stated that 488 additional deaths occurred after the ceasefire was declared on October 10, 2025. Thousands more are believed to be missing and buried under rubble, with estimates suggesting over 10,000 individuals may have gone unaccounted for.

In addition, the Health Ministry reported at least 440 people who died from starvation during the conflict. The senior Israeli military official did not acknowledge the majority of those killed in Gaza being civilians, nor the hundreds who starved to death or were buried under rubble.

This acceptance marks a departure from Israel’s previous claims regarding the death toll in Gaza. Historically, the country has frequently denied narratives of killings perpetrated by its forces, only to later acknowledge them when evidence became impossible to deny.

The Palestinian Health Ministry has been tracking deaths and injuries since the start of the conflict, recording names and ID numbers. The ministry also reported 171,428 people injured during the war, with an additional 1,350 injured since the ceasefire.

The United Nations and human rights organizations have supported the Health Ministry’s figures, which have been disputed by Israeli forces in the past. Human rights groups have accused Israeli forces of targeting civilians, including at least 1,000 Palestinian individuals killed between May and July 2025 at US-led food distribution sites.

Source: Al Jazeera