Israeli media report that a senior security source has said the military accepts that more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war in Gaza. Israel has previously cast doubt on figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. However, these figures have been deemed reliable by the UN and other human rights groups, and widely cited by international media.
The war began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, when about 1,200 other people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 71,660 people have been killed according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Since a ceasefire began on 10 October 2025, reports indicate that at least 492 Palestinians have been killed, along with four Israeli soldiers.
Historically, Israel has disputed Hamas’ figures, previously claiming that it had killed 1,600 fighters since October 7, 2023, and another 22,000 combatants in the conflict. The IDF stated that it estimates two to three civilians are killed for every militant. Now, a senior military source has indicated to Israeli journalists, including those from Haaretz and the Times of Israel, that the total number given by the Hamas health ministry is largely accurate, although they have not quantified how many casualties were combatants versus civilians.
Following the recent media reports, a military official clarified that details published do not reflect official IDF data, asserting that any statements on this matter will be communicated through official channels.
The war began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, when about 1,200 other people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 71,660 people have been killed according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Since a ceasefire began on 10 October 2025, reports indicate that at least 492 Palestinians have been killed, along with four Israeli soldiers.
Historically, Israel has disputed Hamas’ figures, previously claiming that it had killed 1,600 fighters since October 7, 2023, and another 22,000 combatants in the conflict. The IDF stated that it estimates two to three civilians are killed for every militant. Now, a senior military source has indicated to Israeli journalists, including those from Haaretz and the Times of Israel, that the total number given by the Hamas health ministry is largely accurate, although they have not quantified how many casualties were combatants versus civilians.
Following the recent media reports, a military official clarified that details published do not reflect official IDF data, asserting that any statements on this matter will be communicated through official channels.
