Gaza Health Ministry Reports Over 60,000 Palestinian Deaths in Ongoing War

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a staggering death toll of over 60,000 Palestinians, according to an official statement released by Gaza’s Health Ministry on July 28, 2025. This figure, which has reached 60,034, includes approximately 145,870 individuals wounded since Hamas initiated its attack on October 7, 2023. The ministry, which operates under the Hamas-led government, has indicated that women and children account for about half of the casualties, although it did not specify how many of the deceased were civilians versus militants.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been described as catastrophic by various international organizations, with reports indicating that around 90% of the population has been displaced due to extensive Israeli military operations. Experts warn that the situation has deteriorated to a point where famine is imminent. For instance, a report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) highlighted that recent developments have dramatically worsened food security in the region, pushing the population closer to starvation.

The conflict escalated sharply when Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza for two and a half months, restricting the entry of essential supplies including food, medicine, and fuel. This blockade was followed by a significant military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas's military infrastructure, which Israel asserts operates within civilian areas. As a result, local hospitals have reported that many casualties occurred while individuals attempted to access humanitarian aid.

In the past 24 hours alone, local hospitals indicated that at least 77 Palestinians were killed, with many casualties reported from a tragic incident involving an aid convoy in southern Gaza. The Israeli military has maintained that its operations are aimed solely at militants, often attributing civilian casualties to Hamas's use of populated areas for military activities.

According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Humanitarian Studies at Stanford University, the situation in Gaza represents one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. "The international community must take urgent action to address not only the immediate needs of the people in Gaza but also the underlying political issues that have led to this ongoing conflict," she emphasized in her analysis published in the Journal of Humanitarian Affairs on July 26, 2025.

The Israeli government, represented by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, has publicly rejected claims of implementing starvation policies in Gaza. Saar described the focus on starvation as a "distorted campaign of international pressure" that undermines ceasefire negotiations and exacerbates tensions with Hamas. He argued that such narratives could hinder Israel's efforts to secure the release of hostages taken during the initial Hamas attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly among civilians.

Despite the Israeli military's claims of precision in targeting, numerous reports from independent observers and humanitarian organizations reveal a troubling pattern of civilian casualties. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that more than 60 individuals in Gaza have died from malnutrition-related causes since the beginning of July, including 24 children under the age of five. These figures underscore the devastating impact of the conflict on public health and access to basic necessities.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the implications for regional stability and international relations remain significant. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and increased access for humanitarian aid, but diplomatic efforts appear stalled.

Looking forward, the future of Gaza remains uncertain as the humanitarian crisis deepens and the political landscape becomes increasingly polarized. As experts urge immediate intervention, the potential for further escalation looms large, raising critical questions about the long-term consequences of this protracted conflict on both Palestinian and Israeli societies.