The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 60,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The figure is widely regarded as an undercount due to Israel’s ground operations and attacks on hospitals that have crippled the enclave’s healthcare infrastructure.
Experts say more than half of those killed were women and children, a claim supported by health systems experts and data scientists. The ministry also reports over 130 people dying from hunger-related causes, with many more injured while waiting for aid.
In contrast, Israel does not provide regular updates on its own assessment of Palestinian casualties. However, it claims to have “eliminated close to 20,000 Hamas operatives.”
Despite a recent ceasefire agreement in January, fighting resumed when talks broke down last week. The Israeli military has been criticized for prolonging the conflict without a clear rationale, with some accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to maintain power.
Public opinion in Israel is shifting as pressure builds on policymakers to end the conflict. Small but notable signs suggest that the devastation in Gaza has only recently begun to be discussed openly, including at an anti-war rally where placards showing photos of starving Gazan children were quickly snatched up.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/29/gaza-death-toll-60000