Israel and Hamas: Acknowledgment of Death Toll in Ongoing Conflict

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated significantly following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza, leading to a reported death toll of over 71,660 individuals, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Israeli media cite official accepting Hamas figure of 70,000 war deadIDF believes 70,000 Gazans killed in war, as claimed by Hamas; civilian-combatant ratio unclearIsrael and Hamas finally agree on Gaza death tollIsraeli media cite official accepting Hamas figure of 70,000 war dead

For the first time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have indicated that they believe the death toll reported by the Hamas health ministry is largely accurate, estimating around 70,000 fatalities in Gaza. This figure aligns closely with the 71,667 reported by the health ministry. Despite previously dismissing these numbers as exaggerated, IDF officials now acknowledge the toll, although they have not clarified how many of the deceased were combatants versus civilians.

IDF believes 70,000 Gazans killed in war, as claimed by Hamas; civilian-combatant ratio unclearIsrael and Hamas finally agree on Gaza death tollIsraeli media cite official accepting Hamas figure of 70,000 war deadIsraeli media cite official accepting Hamas figure of 70,000 war dead

The IDF has historically disputed the accuracy of the Hamas health ministry's figures, suggesting that they may include individuals with pre-existing health conditions. A senior military official stated that the breakdown of the death toll is still under review, and it remains unclear how many deaths resulted directly from military actions versus secondary factors such as disease. The IDF has also claimed that no healthy individuals died from starvation, countering reports from the United Nations that suggested otherwise.

IDF believes 70,000 Gazans killed in war, as claimed by Hamas; civilian-combatant ratio unclear

Throughout the conflict, the IDF reported that 112,000 aid trucks delivered essential supplies to Gaza, including 1.7 million tons of food and medical supplies. The military has emphasized its efforts to mitigate humanitarian crises, stating that it acted swiftly to prevent starvation during a food insecurity crisis in July-August 2025. However, the IDF has accused UN officials of exaggerating claims of starvation to pressure Israel into ceasing military operations.

IDF says nearly 70,000 Gazans died in warIsrael and Hamas finally agree on Gaza death tollIsraeli media cite official accepting Hamas figure of 70,000 war deadIDF believes 70,000 Gazans killed in war, as claimed by Hamas; civilian-combatant ratio unclear

Critics of the IDF's claims argue that the military's acknowledgment of the death toll does not address the humanitarian impact of the conflict adequately. Human rights organizations and international observers have raised concerns about the reliability of the IDF's assessments and the conditions faced by civilians in Gaza.

IDF believes 70,000 Gazans killed in war, as claimed by Hamas; civilian-combatant ratio unclear

The IDF has stated that it will provide more detailed information regarding the casualty figures to the International Court of Justice on March 12. They have also indicated that the breakdown of deaths, including the number of combatants, will not be released in the immediate future.

IDF believes 70,000 Gazans killed in war, as claimed by Hamas; civilian-combatant ratio unclear

While the IDF's acknowledgment of the death toll marks a significant shift, discrepancies remain regarding the classification of casualties. The Hamas health ministry's figures include a broad range of deaths, while the IDF maintains that many reported fatalities may not be directly attributable to military actions. The ongoing debate over these figures highlights the complexities of reporting in conflict zones.

IDF believes 70,000 Gazans killed in war, as claimed by Hamas; civilian-combatant ratio unclear

• “IDF officials have also admitted that there was a food insecurity crisis in July-August 2025, but said they acted rapidly enough at the time in increasing the volume of food aid trucks to avoid a starvation crisis.” — IDF Official

IDF says nearly 70,000 Gazans died in war