Fact Check: "Over 56,000 Palestinians killed since the war began, including 17,000 children."
What We Know
The claim that over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began is supported by multiple reports from credible sources. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, as of June 24, 2025, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 56,000 people, with reports indicating that more than half of those killed were women and children (source-1). Additionally, the ministry has not specifically differentiated between combatants and civilians, but it has been reported that 17,000 children are included in the overall death toll (source-2).
The conflict, which escalated following Hamas' surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has led to a significant increase in casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry stating that 5,759 of these deaths occurred after fighting resumed on March 18, 2025, following a ceasefire (source-1).
Analysis
The data provided by the Gaza Health Ministry is corroborated by various independent reports and news articles, which confirm the staggering death toll. The Associated Press reported that Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on crowds seeking aid, resulting in numerous casualties, further highlighting the ongoing violence and its impact on civilian populations (source-1).
However, it is important to note that the Gaza Health Ministry's figures have been met with skepticism by some, particularly regarding the lack of distinction between combatants and non-combatants. Israel has claimed that its military operations target militants and has stated that over 20,000 Hamas militants have been killed, although it has not provided evidence to substantiate this claim (source-1).
The reliability of the sources reporting these figures is generally high, with the Associated Press being a reputable news organization recognized for its journalistic standards. However, the situation in Gaza is complex, and the information can be influenced by the ongoing conflict and political narratives from both sides.
Conclusion
The claim that over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, including 17,000 children, is True. This conclusion is based on verified reports from the Gaza Health Ministry and corroborated by multiple independent news sources. While there are questions regarding the classification of casualties, the overall figures reported align consistently across credible platforms.
