Gaza Death Toll Climbs Past 69,000 as Ceasefire Allows Recovery of Bodies

The health ministry in Gaza has reported a sharp rise in the Palestinian death toll. The figure now exceeds 69,000 people killed since the war began. This update follows a recent ceasefire in the conflict. The pause in fighting has allowed rescue workers to access devastated areas.

The latest numbers were confirmed on Saturday. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the number of wounded has also surged to over 170,685. The war started with Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.

Recovery Efforts Drive Significant Toll Increase

The ceasefire has enabled a grim new phase of work. Emergency crews are now recovering bodies from under the rubble across the Gaza Strip. This difficult process is a primary reason for the sudden jump in the official death count.

Many of the newly counted dead were previously unidentifiable. The truce has allowed for the identification of these remains. This has contributed to the updated, sobering statistics reported by health officials.

Body Exchanges Mark Fragile Truce Progress

The casualty update coincided with a sensitive exchange. Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza on Saturday. This happened just one day after militants returned the remains of an Israeli hostage.

The exchange was part of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The deal has created a tenuous halt in the two-year war. This process is seen as a cautious step forward in the fragile truce.

The returned Palestinian bodies were taken to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. On the Israeli side, the hostage’s body was identified as Lior Rudaeff. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed he died during the initial Hamas attack.

The updated Gaza death toll underscores the immense human cost of the conflict. The recent exchanges, while difficult, represent a critical step in the fragile ceasefire process. The international community continues to watch for signs of lasting peace.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the current death toll in Gaza?

Gaza health officials report over 69,000 Palestinians have been killed. The number of wounded is over 170,000. These figures cover the period since the war began in October 2023.

Why did the death toll increase recently?

The ceasefire allowed rescue workers to recover more bodies from the rubble. Previously unidentified bodies have also now been counted. This has led to a significant update in the official statistics.

What was the recent body exchange about?

Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza. This was part of the ceasefire agreement. It followed the return of an Israeli hostage’s remains by militants.

How has the international community reacted?

The US brokered the current truce. Global observers see the body exchanges as a fragile sign of progress. The focus remains on sustaining the ceasefire for longer-term talks.

Where were the returned bodies received?

The 15 Palestinian bodies were received at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The city has seen intense fighting throughout the conflict. The hospital continues to operate under severe strain.

Trusted Sources
Reuters, Associated Press