More than 60,000 Palestinians have died since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which reported the toll Tuesday. Overnight Israeli airstrikes killed over two dozen people, primarily women and children, health officials said. The conflict began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, prompting a sustained Israeli military offensive that has devastated much of Gaza, displaced nearly 90% of its roughly 2 million residents, and sparked a dire humanitarian crisis.
Experts warn Gaza is on the edge of famine, as Israeli restrictions and escalating violence have severely limited safe aid deliveries. The Health Ministry, part of the Hamas government, reported 60,034 deaths and 145,870 wounded, including nearly 18,600 children and 9,800 women, who collectively represent about half of the casualties. While Israel disputes these numbers, it has not provided an alternative death count. Recent airstrikes on refugee camps and aid convoys have resulted in dozens of deaths, and more than 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid since May. The United Nations and humanitarian agencies describe the food crisis as “dramatically worsened,” even as limited aid drops from international sources struggle to reach those in desperate need. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, prolonging the conflict and its catastrophic toll on Gaza’s population.