Israeli media outlets, citing a senior security source, reported that the military now largely accepts the reported figure of over 70,000 Palestinians killed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This development contrasts sharply with Israel's prior official position, which consistently questioned the casualty statistics provided by the Hamas-controlled health ministry.
Prior to this indication, Israel had maintained significant skepticism regarding the figures, which are nonetheless widely cited by the United Nations and various international human rights organizations. The conflict began following the October 7, 2023, attack led by Hamas, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages.
The Hamas-run health ministry currently states that more than 71,660 people have been killed in Gaza since the military response began. The ministry also reported that at least 492 Palestinians have died since a ceasefire commenced on October 10, 2025, with four Israeli soldiers also killed in that subsequent period.
Previously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimated it had killed 1,600 militants since October 7, 2023, adding another 22,000 combatants during the main war phase. The IDF had also suggested a ratio of two to three civilian deaths for every militant killed in the fighting.
A senior military source reportedly conveyed to journalists from publications including Haaretz and the Times of Israel that the overall number cited by the Gaza ministry is largely accurate. However, the source noted that the IDF has not been able to officially verify the breakdown between combatants and non-combatants within that total.
Following the circulation of these reports, an official IDF spokesperson issued a statement clarifying that the published details do not align with official data releases. The spokesperson insisted that any official figures regarding casualties would only be disseminated through established and orderly military channels.
This internal acknowledgment, even if unofficial, carries significant geopolitical weight, potentially influencing international pressure regarding proportionality and humanitarian accountability in the conflict zone. The discrepancy between stated military assumptions and reported internal assessments warrants close observation by international bodies.
The immediate implication is a potential recalibration in international diplomatic discussions surrounding the conflict's human cost, especially as negotiations for a lasting cessation of hostilities continue. Observers will monitor future official IDF statements for confirmation or contradiction of the reported internal assessment.
