Three years after the outbreak of the war on 7 October 2023, humanitarian agencies and health authorities report that at least 75,000 Palestinians have been killed across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The grim milestone highlights that civilian suffering, displacement, and casualties persist despite a ceasefire agreed upon nearly a year ago.
Devastating Human Toll
According to Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE, the recorded death toll of 75,000 includes more than 20,000 Palestinian children. Nunn stressed that the documented figures represent only deaths officially recorded in hospitals and morgues, meaning the full toll remains substantially higher.
CARE noted that current tallies exclude thousands of people missing under rubble, as well as those who have died indirectly from acute hunger, spreading disease, and the breakdown of vital healthcare infrastructure. Families across Gaza have suffered repeated displacements, with millions still enduring catastrophic humanitarian conditions.
Data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, reported by Middle East Eye, records at least 74,250 Palestinians killed and 175,278 injured in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. At least 1,445 of those deaths occurred after the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, demonstrating that the agreement has failed to halt fatalities entirely.
Unrelenting Hardship and West Bank Pressures
CARE reported that deep deprivation and instability continue to impact civilians across the occupied territories. Nunn noted that a ceasefire reached nearly a year ago has failed to end either civilian deaths or the overarching humanitarian catastrophe, stating that
"civilians continue to carry the cost."
In the occupied West Bank, CARE warned that communities face escalating violence, forced displacement, property demolitions, and severe movement restrictions. These daily constraints have systematically eroded personal safety, basic dignity, and economic livelihoods across the territory.
Global Demonstrations Mark the Date
The third anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks—which killed approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel and resulted in 251 hostages taken—prompted rallies and political debate internationally.
In London, pro-Palestine student societies took to the streets to march on 7 October, moving ahead with their demonstration despite appeals from local police to postpone the gathering, according to Al Jazeera.
In Australia, state leaders criticized planned pro-Palestinian vigils scheduled alongside Jewish commemorative events marking the day, as reported by The Guardian.
Meanwhile, in the southern Syrian city of Sweida, supporters of Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri held an unprecedented demonstration in solidarity with Israel. According to Middle East Eye, participants gathered in al-Karama Square, waving Israeli flags, displaying images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and carrying banners reading,
"We will not forget, we will not forgive."
