Gaza Authorities Report 65% of Palestinian Casualties Women, Children, and Elderly Amid Ongoing Israeli Offensive
Gaza authorities reported on Monday that 65% of Palestinians killed in Israel’s military offensive since October 2023 are women, children, and the elderly, Anadolu Agency reported. The Gaza Government Media Office disclosed over 18,000 children and 12,400 women have died, with 2,180 families entirely wiped out and 5,070 others left with a single survivor. The statement condemned systematic attacks destroying Gaza’s healthcare system, killing 1,400 medical personnel, 212 journalists, and 750 aid workers, including 187 UNRWA staff.
The Palestinian envoy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accused Israel on Monday of deliberately targeting humanitarian organizations and carrying out a “genocidal campaign” against Palestinians in Gaza. Ammar Hijazi, the ambassador and permanent representative of the State of Palestine to international organizations in the Netherlands, said Israeli forces had killed over 408 UN workers, including almost 300 UNRWA staff, as well as dozens of paramedics and first responders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 32 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are non-functional as of April 2025, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting 400 doctors among the 1,400 medical personnel killed. Aid groups warn of catastrophic hunger affecting 60% of Gaza’s 1.9 million displaced civilians (UNOCHA).
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes, citing starvation tactics and civilian infrastructure targeting. At the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Palestine presented evidence of 37 mass graves and executions, accusing Israel of genocide. Over 52,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023, including 408 UN workers.
Israel resumed its assault on March 18 after breaking a January ceasefire, employing what Gaza officials call the “Dahiya doctrine”—systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure to force surrender. Hamas disputes Israel’s claim of 12,000 militants killed, stating 6,500 fighters have died.
The UN condemned Israel’s blockade and aid obstruction, while 40 nations testified at the ICJ. Israel boycotted hearings, denying genocide allegations and insisting its actions target Hamas.
