The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has tragically surpassed 70,000 since the war with Israel began, according to an announcement from the territory's health ministry on Saturday. The grim milestone was reached as a hospital reported the deaths of two Palestinian children from Israeli fire in southern Gaza.
Ceasefire Falters as Casualties Mount
The toll has continued to climb despite a ceasefire that took effect on 10 October. Israeli forces continue to carry out strikes, which they state are in response to violations of the truce. Furthermore, bodies from earlier stages of the conflict are still being recovered from the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The health ministry, which operates under the Hamas-led government, provided the specific figure of 70,100 Palestinian deaths. Staffed by medical professionals, the ministry maintains detailed records that are generally viewed as reliable by international observers.
Recent Incidents and Conflicting Accounts
In a recent incident that underscores the ongoing violence, staff at Nasser hospital in southern Gaza received the bodies of two young brothers. The children, aged 8 and 11, were reportedly killed when an Israeli drone struck near a school sheltering displaced people in the town of Beni Suheila.
Israel's military provided a different account of the event. In a statement, they said their forces killed two individuals who crossed into an Israeli-controlled area, "conducted suspicious activities" and approached troops. The military's statement did not mention children. They also reported killing another person in a separate but similar incident in the south.
According to Gaza's health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, at least 352 Palestinians have been killed across the territory since the ceasefire began. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the terms of the deal.
Broader Regional Escalation and Future Plans
The conflict has also seen a worrying regional expansion. Israeli forces have recently escalated activities on other fronts.
In Syria, officials reported that Israeli forces raided a village on Friday, opening fire and killing at least 13 people when confronted by residents. Israel stated the operation was to apprehend suspects from a militant group planning attacks.
Strikes have also intensified in Lebanon, with Israel targeting Hezbollah sites, alleging the group is attempting to rearm. This comes despite a ceasefire that ended a 14-month war between the two sides a year ago.
Meanwhile, a US blueprint for the future of Gaza, devastated by over two years of war, remains in its early stages. The proposed plan envisions an international stabilisation force, a transitional authority, and a potential path to an independent Palestinian state.
The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and saw 250 people taken hostage. Almost all the hostages or their remains have since been returned through various ceasefire deals and negotiations.
