In brief
According to reports from Israeli media, a senior security official has acknowledged the Hamas-run health ministry's claim that more than 70,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This marks a significant shift in Israel's stance, as prior assessments had cast doubt on the credibility of these figures. The war has escalated since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, precipitating a military response from Israel. While the exact breakdown of civilian and combatant casualties remains ambiguous, these figures have been recognized by the UN and human rights groups.
Israeli media report that a senior security source has stated that the military acknowledges the deaths of more than 70,000 Palestinians due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
Historically, Israel has questioned the accuracy of the Hamas-run health ministry's figures. However, this data has been deemed reliable by the United Nations and several human rights organizations, gaining acceptance in international media.
The conflict escalated following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. In retaliation, Israel initiated military operations in Gaza, where, according to the Hamas-operated health ministry, over 71,660 individuals have died since the conflict's inception.
More than 492 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have been reported dead since a ceasefire instituted on October 10, 2025. While Hamas estimates that at least 1,600 Israeli fighters and 22,000 combatants died in the ensuing confrontations, the IDF has previously suggested that for every militant loss, two to three civilians perished.
A senior military source conveyed to various Israeli journalists that the numbers released by the Hamas health ministry were broadly accurate, although it remains unclear how many casualties were militants versus those directly harmed by the fighting.
In light of recent reports, an IDF spokesperson reiterated that any formal data regarding casualties would be disclosed through official channels.
