Israeli Military Accepts Gaza Death Toll as Broadly Accurate, Marking Policy Shift

Significant Shift in Stance

The Israeli military has for the first time accepted the death toll compiled by health authorities in Gaza as broadly accurate, marking a notable policy reversal after years of dismissing these figures. A senior Israeli military official, speaking to reporters on Thursday, January 29, 2026, confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimates approximately 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict since October 7, 2023. This acknowledgment aligns closely with the Gaza Health Ministry's latest reported figure of 71,667 deaths.

Previous Dismissals and International Validation

Throughout the conflict, Israeli officials had consistently rejected the casualty figures provided by the Gaza Health Ministry, often labeling them as 'Hamas propaganda,' 'unreliable,' or 'manipulated.' This stance was maintained despite numerous international organizations and researchers, including the United Nations, widely considering the Gaza Health Ministry's data to be credible. Studies have indicated that the Ministry's reported death rates are consistent with independent data, such as that from UNRWA, and have found it 'implausible' that the Ministry engaged in data fabrication.

Acknowledged Figures and Key Exclusions

While accepting the overall magnitude of the death toll, the Israeli military's acknowledgment comes with specific caveats. The figures do not include an estimated 10,000 individuals believed to be missing and potentially buried under rubble. Furthermore, the Gaza Health Ministry's tally primarily accounts for deaths directly resulting from Israeli military actions, excluding those who have died due to starvation or diseases exacerbated by the conflict.

Ongoing Review and Disputed Claims

The senior Israeli military official indicated that the precise breakdown of casualties between civilians and militants is still under review and remains unknown. This contrasts with the Gaza Health Ministry, which has published detailed lists, including gender and age, for over 60,000 identified individuals. Additionally, a point of contention remains regarding deaths attributed to malnutrition and starvation; the Gaza Health Ministry reports 440 such deaths, a claim that Israel disputes, suggesting these statistics may be manipulated to include individuals with pre-existing severe health conditions.