Israeli media cite official accepting Hamas figure of 70,000 war dead

Israeli media are reporting that a senior security source has indicated the military accepts the Hamas-run health ministry's figure of over 70,000 Palestinians killed in the Gaza war. This comes after Israel previously disputed the figures, despite their reliability being affirmed by the UN and other human rights groups. The war began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza. While the IDF has not officially confirmed the figure, it previously estimated a ratio of two to three civilian deaths per militant death. The Hamas-run health ministry also reports at least 492 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire began on October 10, 2025, and four Israeli soldiers have also been killed.

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