Since the beginning of the conflict, over 50,000 individuals have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip, according to the health ministry responsible for the Hamas-led territory.

The figure, standing at 50,021, represents approximately 2.1% of the pre-war population of around 2.3 million people or roughly one in every fifty individuals.

The ministry also reported that 113,274 additional people have been injured over the same period.

Health ministry statistics from Gaza are frequently cited during conflicts and are considered trustworthy by the United Nations (UN) and international bodies; nevertheless, Israel has consistently disputed these numbers.

International journalists, including BBC correspondents, are prevented from entering Gaza independently due to Israeli restrictions, and are therefore unable to verify figures from either party.

The ministry’s reported toll does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties.

In November, the UN Human Rights Office stated that its research indicated almost 70% of confirmed victims over a six-month span were women and children.

The conflict was initiated by a Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, and the abduction of another 251.

Israel’s military responded with an extensive campaign, resulting in substantial destruction to homes and infrastructure, in addition to the thousands killed or wounded.

The health ministry additionally announced at least 39 deaths within the last day, bringing the total death toll to 673 since Israel resumed military operations in the territory on Tuesday.