Fact Check: Over 56,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Fact Check: "Over 56,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli military actions in Gaza."

What We Know

The claim that "over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military actions in Gaza" is supported by multiple reports from credible sources. According to the Associated Press, Gaza health authorities reported that the death toll has surpassed 56,000 as of June 24, 2025. This figure includes casualties from ongoing military operations that have intensified since October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in significant Israeli casualties as well.

The Gaza Health Ministry has indicated that the total number of deaths includes a substantial number of women and children, with claims that over half of the deceased are non-combatants. The Israeli military, while acknowledging the high number of casualties, maintains that its operations are aimed at targeting militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths, asserting that Hamas operates within civilian areas to shield itself from attacks.

Analysis

The assertion that over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed is corroborated by various reports, including those from the Associated Press and Al Jazeera. The data provided by Gaza's Health Ministry is significant, as it reflects the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the severe impact of military actions on the civilian population.

However, the reliability of the casualty figures can be complex. The Gaza Health Ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in its reporting, which can lead to inflated numbers from a military perspective. The Israeli military claims that it has killed over 20,000 Hamas militants, but it has not provided evidence to substantiate this claim, leading to skepticism regarding the accuracy of both sides' casualty figures (Reuters).

Moreover, the context of the conflict is crucial. The Associated Press describes recent incidents where Israeli forces opened fire on crowds seeking aid, resulting in additional deaths. This pattern of violence has been reported consistently, suggesting a troubling trend in the ongoing military operations.

In evaluating the sources, the Associated Press and Al Jazeera are generally regarded as reliable news organizations, though they may have different editorial slants. The Associated Press is known for its rigorous fact-checking and adherence to journalistic standards, while Al Jazeera has been criticized for potential bias in its coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nonetheless, both outlets corroborate the reported death toll, lending credence to the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military actions in Gaza" is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible reports from recognized news organizations and the Gaza Health Ministry. While the exact numbers may vary and are subject to the complexities of conflict reporting, the overwhelming evidence supports the assertion that the death toll has indeed surpassed 56,000.

Fact Check: Over 56,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli military actions in Gaza.