The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has surpassed 73,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The updated figure was released on Sunday as Israel continues military strikes despite a fragile ceasefire agreement reached in October.
Death Toll Update
Zaher Al-Waheidi, head of the ministry's records department, and Hamza Salem from its public relations department confirmed that the total number of deaths since the war began now stands at 73,001. On Sunday alone, the ministry reported five deaths: two in the southern city of Khan Younis, one in central Gaza, and two individuals who succumbed to earlier wounds.
Over 173,200 people have been wounded since the conflict started, which was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that killed around 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.
Recent Strikes
An Israeli strike on Saturday evening killed two Palestinians in Khan Younis, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The casualties were transported to Nasser hospital. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, is staffed by medical professionals and maintains detailed records that are generally considered reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths but notes that women and children account for approximately half of all fatalities.
Ceasefire Status
Israel maintains that it aims to avoid civilian casualties and blames Hamas for operating in densely populated areas. The military says it targets militants who pose a threat and responds to ceasefire violations, including occasional attacks.
The US-brokered ceasefire deal, reached in October, ended full-scale military operations and facilitated the return of all remaining hostages. However, other aspects of the agreement have stalled as Hamas refuses to disarm and Israeli troops have advanced rather than withdrawn. Both sides accuse each other of violating the pact but insist it remains in effect.
Since the ceasefire, five Israeli soldiers have been killed.
