As Monday marks the 500th day of the war initiated by Hamas' attack into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has been in place for almost a month. However, with the current phase of the truce set to expire in early March, the future remains uncertain as to whether the sides will extend the ceasefire, engage in negotiations for a more enduring peace, or resume hostilities.
Here are some staggering figures that shed light on the extent of the death and devastation caused by the conflict, drawing from sources such as the Israeli government, the Gaza Health Ministry, and U.N. agencies:
- People killed in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023: Approximately 1,200
- Hostages taken into Gaza: 251
- Hostages remaining in Gaza: 73, including 3 taken before Oct. 7, 2023
- Hostages in Gaza believed to be dead: 36, including one from before Oct. 7, 2023
- Palestinians killed in Gaza: Over 48,200 (with more than half being women and children)
- Palestinians wounded in Gaza: Over 111,600
- Israeli soldiers killed since Oct. 7, 2023: 846
- Rockets fired at Israel from Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023: Over 10,000
- Percentage of Gaza’s population displaced: Approximately 90%
- Palestinians who have crossed into northern Gaza since the ceasefire began: 586,000
- Israelis displaced by attacks from Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon at their peak: Over 75,500
- Housing units damaged or destroyed in Gaza: Over 245,000
- Primary roads damaged or destroyed in Gaza: Over 92%
- Health facilities damaged or destroyed in Gaza: Over 84%
These numbers underscore the immense toll this conflict has taken on both sides, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and a significant loss of life. The situation remains fluid as the ceasefire deadline approaches, leaving many anxiously awaiting the next steps in this protracted conflict.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas war, you can follow AP’s comprehensive coverage at AP News.
