The death toll in Palestine resulting from the conflict between Israel and Hamas has now exceeded 73,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Despite a ceasefire in place, Israel has continued to carry out strikes within the region, citing threats from Hamas and other militant groups, as well as in response to violations of the ceasefire. Five Israeli soldiers have lost their lives since the truce was established.
The latest figures, confirmed by Zaher al-Waheidi and Hamza Salem from the Health Ministry, indicate a total of 73,001 deaths since the onset of the conflict. On Sunday, there were five reported fatalities, with two occurring in Khan Younis and one in central Gaza, along with two individuals succumbing to earlier injuries. Additionally, over 173,200 people have been injured since the conflict began.
The conflict was sparked by a Hamas-led incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the death of 1,200 individuals and the taking of 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
The Health Ministry, under the governance of Hamas, maintains detailed records that are generally considered reliable by international organizations and experts. While not distinguishing between civilians and militants, the Ministry notes that women and children comprise approximately half of all casualties.
The ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. in October brought an end to major military operations and facilitated the release of all remaining hostages. However, certain aspects of the agreement have stalled, with Hamas refusing to disarm and Israeli forces advancing further into Gaza instead of withdrawing. Both sides have accused each other of breaching the agreement but maintain that it remains in effect.
Progress on key issues such as reconstruction, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the formation of a new Palestinian government has been impeded by the deadlock over Hamas disarmament, as stated by Nickolay Mladenov, the chief diplomat overseeing the ceasefire efforts.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of a significant portion of Gaza’s population, widespread destruction, and severe shortages of essential supplies due to the closure of border crossings controlled predominantly by Israel.
