50,000 Killed in Gaza Since Start of Israel-Hamas War, Health Ministry Reports
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 50,000 since the war between Israel and Hamas began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. As of Sunday, the ministry reported 50,021 fatalities, marking a grim milestone in a conflict with no clear end in sight.
The ministry recorded 41 more deaths in the past 24 hours, highlighting the ongoing devastation as Israel resumes its military operations. The United Nations and the health ministry state that the majority of those killed are women and children. However, thousands more are believed to be buried under the rubble, making the actual death toll potentially much higher.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), however, disputes the reported figures. In a statement to CNN, the IDF claimed that the Hamas-controlled ministry’s numbers contain “inconsistencies and false determinations,” suggesting that some deaths recorded may be unrelated to the conflict. The IDF emphasized its commitment to minimizing civilian casualties and adhering to international law.
The war reignited after a two-month ceasefire collapsed earlier this week. Tuesday’s airstrikes were among the deadliest since the conflict began, with over 400 Palestinians reportedly killed in a single day, according to Gaza’s health ministry. By Wednesday, Israeli forces had resumed ground operations in the enclave.
Israel launched its military campaign against Hamas on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by the militant group on southern Israel. That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
As violence escalates, Israeli officials have warned of an even harsher phase of military operations. Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israel will maintain a permanent presence in certain areas of Gaza unless Hamas releases the hostages. On Friday, Katz instructed the military to “seize additional areas in Gaza while evacuating the population” and to “expand security zones around Gaza to protect Israeli communities and IDF soldiers.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced this stance, stating, “This is just the beginning.”
The renewed conflict has intensified Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced, and the healthcare system is in a state of collapse. Many hospitals have become battlegrounds, exacerbating the already dire situation. Meanwhile, a growing famine looms over parts of the territory, worsened by Israel’s recent blockade of humanitarian aid.
Attempts to reinstate the ceasefire have faltered. Hamas has remained firm on the terms of the agreement it signed with Israel in January, which included a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and a permanent cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of all hostages. The second phase of the ceasefire, meant to begin on March 1, never materialized.
Israel, citing Hamas’ rejection of mediation proposals from the U.S. and its continued threats, resumed its military offensive instead.
Israel acknowledges that many Palestinian civilians have been killed but disputes the accuracy of the health ministry’s figures, arguing that Hamas embeds itself within civilian areas, using non-combatants as “human shields.” However, both the United Nations and the U.S. State Department have stated that they believe the ministry’s figures to be largely accurate. Independent academic studies suggest that the true number of casualties may be even higher.
Due to restrictions on foreign journalists, CNN and other international media outlets cannot independently verify the reported death toll.
As the war intensifies, Gazans face an uncertain and devastating future. With no diplomatic resolution in sight, the region remains trapped in a cycle of violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis.
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