The death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has now exceeded 66,000, according to the latest figures released by the Gaza Health Ministry on Sunday. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-administered government, reported that 66,005 individuals have been killed and 168,162 injured since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.
In the past 24 hours alone, 79 bodies were brought to hospitals.
Credibility of the Data
Despite its affiliation with Hamas, the Gaza Health Ministry’s data is widely regarded by the United Nations and independent humanitarian experts as a credible estimate of the civilian toll.
- The ministry does not distinguish between civilian and militant deaths in its total figure.
- However, it has stated that half of the dead are women and children.
The ongoing Israeli military operation has devastated Gaza, resulting in the displacement of approximately 90% of the population and creating a catastrophic humanitarian emergency, with experts warning of a state of famine in Gaza City.
Netanyahu Remains Defiant Ahead of Trump Meeting
The continually escalating death toll coincides with the unabated nature of Israel’s military operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, but he has signaled no short-term change of course despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s Fiery UN Speech
In a defiant address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, Prime Minister Netanyahu fiercely criticized recent international moves to recognize a Palestinian state.
Drawing a strong parallel between the Hamas attacks and past terror strikes, Netanyahu stated:
“Granting the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is akin to granting al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11. This is sheer madness. It’s insane, and we won’t do it.”
He insisted that such steps would only encourage further attacks against Jews and “innocent people everywhere,” declaring, “You didn’t do something right. You did something wrong, horribly wrong.” Sources