Israel Acknowledges Gaza Death Toll, Accepts Gaza Health Ministry Figures Exceed 70,000

Israel Acknowledges Gaza Death Toll, Accepts Gaza Health Ministry Figures Exceed 70,000

For the first time since the Gaza war erupted, Israel has acknowledged the scale of fatalities reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, accepting that more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023.

According to a senior Israeli military official, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now recognise that the death toll released by the Gaza Health Ministry broadly reflects the reality on the ground. The ministry’s latest figures place the number of deaths at 71,667, including more than 450 people who have died since the ceasefire came into effect in October 2025.

This marks a notable shift from Israel’s earlier stance. Until now, Israeli authorities had repeatedly cast doubt on the data released by the Hamas-run health ministry, with the Foreign Ministry previously describing the figures as “misleading” and “unreliable.”

The Israeli military also acknowledged that the official death count does not include thousands of people believed to be buried beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings. Hamas officials estimate that around 10,000 individuals may still be trapped under debris, a figure cited by Israeli media outlets.

The Gaza Health Ministry has further claimed that at least 440 people died due to starvation and malnutrition during the war. Israeli officials, however, continue to dispute this assertion, arguing that Hamas may exaggerate figures or include deaths linked to pre-existing medical conditions.

Despite political disputes over attribution and responsibility, the ministry’s record-keeping has drawn attention internationally. Officials say names and identification details have been documented for over 90 percent of the recovered bodies.

While Israel has rarely issued direct rebuttals to the overall numbers, it has instead focused on casualty ratios, maintaining that the number of civilian deaths was lower than militant fatalities. The IDF has previously stated that for every militant killed, approximately two to three civilians died, a claim cited by international media including the BBC.

Independent researchers and humanitarian groups have continued to scrutinise the data. Several studies suggest the actual toll could be even higher than official counts. One study published in June 2025 estimated that by January that year, around 75,200 people in Gaza had lost their lives, significantly exceeding the health ministry’s figures at the time.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire remains fragile as diplomatic efforts continue. US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” aimed at overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction, is gradually taking shape. The initiative, which reportedly involves a $1 billion membership structure and grants Trump veto authority over key decisions, has added a new layer of complexity to the already volatile post-war landscape.