The Health Ministry in Gaza, administered by Hamas, reported on Saturday that the total number of deaths from the ongoing conflict has risen above 69,000. Officials said the count includes confirmed fatalities as well as an estimated thousands of people are still missing, many believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings. The ministry did not provide a breakdown distinguishing between civilians and fighters.
Renewed Clashes Despite Ceasefire
Although a ceasefire agreement was reached recently between Israel and Hamas, fighting continues across several areas of the Gaza Strip. Residents described a night of heavy air raids and artillery fire, particularly in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood and the central districts. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, claiming they targeted Hamas strongholds and militants attempting to reorganize.
In Deir al-Balah, Israeli units reportedly carried out controlled demolitions, citing security and operational reasons.
Fragile Truce Under Strain
The ceasefire, originally designed to enable hostage and prisoner exchanges, remains officially in place but has not stopped all military operations. Israeli officials argue that their actions fall under defensive or preventive measures intended to counter renewed threats from Hamas. The IDF said the latest missions in Gaza City aimed to eliminate newly active militant cells.
Global Concern Over Rising Casualties
The mounting death toll has drawn sharp attention from international organizations and human rights observers. While the United Nations has generally treated Gaza’s health ministry statistics as credible in earlier conflicts, verifying exact numbers in the current war remains difficult due to restricted access and ongoing hostilities.
Officials from the United States and other governments have urged for transparency and humanitarian access to ensure reliable reporting and aid delivery.
Israel’s Defense Rationale
Israel maintains that its operations are a direct response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, which ignited the current war. The government insists that the campaign seeks to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure and secure the release of hostages. Military spokespeople reiterate that every effort is made to minimize civilian harm, accusing Hamas of embedding its fighters and weapons within populated areas, which complicates precision targeting.
As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with aid agencies warning of widespread shortages of food, medicine, and shelter. Calls for a lasting and verifiable peace are growing louder from the global community as both sides remain entrenched in a prolonged and devastating war.
