The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 73,000 since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, according to the latest figures from Gaza's Health Ministry. The updated count, released on Sunday, comes as Israel continues to conduct strikes despite a fragile ceasefire agreement reached in October.
New fatalities and injuries
The ministry confirmed that the total number of deaths since the war began now stands at 73,001. On Sunday alone, five deaths were recorded: two in the southern city of Khan Younis, one in central Gaza, and two individuals who succumbed to wounds sustained earlier. The ministry also reported that over 173,200 people have been wounded since the conflict erupted.
Details from officials
Zaher Al-Waheidi, head of the ministry's records department, and Hamza Salem from the public relations department provided the updated figures. The ministry, which operates under 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 casualties but states that women and children account for approximately half of all fatalities. Israel maintains that it strives to avoid civilian harm and attributes civilian deaths to Hamas, accusing the militant group of operating in densely populated areas. Israel says its strikes target militants who pose a threat and are conducted in response to ceasefire violations, including occasional attacks.
Ceasefire status
The US-brokered ceasefire deal, reached in October, ended full-scale military operations and facilitated the return of all remaining hostages. However, other elements of the agreement have stalled. Hamas has refused to disarm, and Israeli troops have advanced rather than withdrawn since the deal was signed. Both parties accuse each other of violating the accord but maintain that it remains in effect.
Since the ceasefire, five Israeli soldiers have been killed. An Israeli strike on Saturday evening killed two Palestinians in Khan Younis, with casualties taken to Nasser hospital, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Background of the conflict
The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 individuals taken hostage. The ensuing Israeli military campaign in Gaza has led to widespread destruction and a significant humanitarian crisis.
