Over 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted, Gaza’s Health Ministry said on Thursday.
The war, now entering its 15th month, shows no signs of ending, with widespread devastation affecting countless civilians.
The ministry reports 46,006 deaths and 109,378 injuries, noting that women and children make up more than half of the casualties. However, it has not disclosed the number of fighters among the dead.
The Israeli military claims to have killed more than 17,000 militants, although it has provided no supporting evidence.
Israel maintains that it tries to avoid civilian casualties, blaming Hamas for hiding among residential areas and using civilian infrastructure for military operations. Yet, airstrikes have repeatedly targeted sites such as shelters and hospitals, where women and children are often killed.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250 individuals.
Around 100 hostages remain in Gaza, and Israeli authorities fear that at least a third of them may have died, either during the initial assault or while in captivity.
Gaza has suffered enormous damage, with vast areas flattened and approximately 90% of the population, or 2.3 million people, displaced.
Many are forced to move from place to place, taking refuge in overcrowded tent camps along the coast with limited access to food, water, and other essential services.
Despite indirect talks mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release have repeatedly stalled, and significant hurdles remain.
