Summary
Israeli media report that a senior Israeli security source has acknowledged that over 70,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing war in Gaza. This number aligns with figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which have been largely accepted by the UN and other human rights organizations. The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, and Israel has questioned the accuracy of the death toll but now appears to recognize it.
Key Facts
- Israeli media cite a senior security source acknowledging over 70,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza due to the war.
- The Hamas-run health ministry reported these figures, which the UN and human rights groups also considered reliable.
- The conflict began with an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
- Approximately 1,200 people died in the initial Hamas attack, with 251 taken hostage.
- Israel launched a military response in Gaza following the attack.
- The Israeli military traditionally disputed Hamas's death toll figures.
- A senior source now suggests these figures are largely accurate, despite challenges in identifying combatants versus civilians.
- The Israel Defense Forces have not made an official position on the latest figures.
