The Gaza war has resulted in a staggering death toll, with over 74,000 people killed since October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The majority of victims, over 52%, were children, women, and elderly individuals. The war has had a disproportionate impact on these vulnerable groups, with 21,784 children, 11,213 women, and 5,355 elderly people killed. These numbers highlight the devastating consequences of the conflict on civilians in Gaza.
The first two months of the war were the deadliest, with 10,803 people killed in October 2023 and 9,955 in November 2023. The monthly death toll remained high, with a significant number of victims being children and women, until June 2025. The conflict has also resulted in over 175,000 injuries, with many more people affected by the violence. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported that 1,115 of the victims were infants under the age of one.
The Israeli military launched its campaign in Gaza after a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel has stated that its goal is to avoid civilian casualties, issuing evacuation orders to minimize harm. However, the numbers suggest that the conflict has had a significant impact on civilians, with many killed or injured in their homes or while trying to flee.
Children in Gaza have been particularly affected by the war, with over 21,000 killed, including 1,115 infants under the age of one. Many more children have been injured or left traumatized by the violence. The war has also resulted in a significant number of orphans, with 61,216 children losing one or both parents. The psychological impact of the conflict on children is likely to be long-lasting, with many requiring support and counseling to cope with their experiences.
The war has also had a devastating impact on women, with 24,917 women left widowed and many more affected by the violence. The conflict has disrupted families and communities, leaving many people without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The international community has expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with many calling for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid to the affected areas.
Despite a ceasefire agreement in October 2025, the death toll has continued to rise, with 1,393 people killed and 831 bodies recovered from under the rubble since then. The Israeli military continues to conduct airstrikes and target certain sites and individuals, contributing to the ongoing violence. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has estimated that there may be up to 7,400 people still missing under the rubble, with many more affected by the conflict.
The accuracy of the death toll reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health has been questioned by some, including Israel, which has cast doubt on the numbers. However, many experts, including a study published in The Lancet, have found the numbers to be reliable and possibly even conservative. The study estimated that the true death toll may be as high as 75,200 people, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians in Gaza.
Key points
- Over 74,000 people killed in Gaza war since October 7, 2023.
- Children, women, and elderly individuals make up over 52% of victims.
- The conflict has resulted in significant psychological trauma and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
