Large parts of Gaza have been reduced to rubble by the war. Getty Images
More than 50,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since Israel’s military campaign began, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. The ministry announced that 50,021 people had been killed, which is about 2.1% of Gaza’s pre-war population of 2.3 million. This means roughly one in every 46 people in Gaza has lost their lives.
The ministry also reported that 113,274 people have been injured since the fighting began. However, the numbers do not specify how many of the dead were civilians or militants.
International organizations, including the United Nations (UN), consider Gaza’s health ministry figures reliable. However, Israel continues to dispute the accuracy of the data. Independent journalists, including major global news outlets, are blocked by Israel from entering Gaza, making it difficult to verify the numbers.
In November, the UN’s Human Rights Office reported that nearly 70% of the confirmed victims were women and children. A study published in The Lancet medical journal in January suggested the actual death toll might be even higher. The report claimed the real figure could be up to 41% more than the official count from Gaza's health ministry.
The war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel. Around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and 251 others were taken hostage. Israel responded with a large-scale military offensive, which has devastated Gaza’s homes, schools, and hospitals, leaving thousands dead or injured.
On Sunday, Gaza's health ministry reported at least 39 deaths in the previous 24 hours. Since Israel resumed its military operations on Tuesday, the total number of deaths has reached 673.
The ongoing conflict has caused massive destruction, with many neighborhoods reduced to rubble. People in Gaza are struggling with a lack of food, water, and medical supplies. International aid groups have repeatedly warned of a growing humanitarian crisis.
