23 Days of War, Palestinian Casualties Exceed 8,100

Between October 7 and 29, 2023, the war between Israel and Hamas militants killed over 8,100 Palestinians.

The highest number of Palestinian casualties was in the Gaza Strip, with 8,005 deaths and 20,242 injuries. In the West Bank, there were 115 deaths and 2,150 injuries.

By the 23rd day of the war (October 29, 2023), the total number of Israeli casualties was approximately 1,402 deaths and 5,445 injuries. There have been no reports of new Israeli casualties since Monday, October 23, 2023.

This data was compiled by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) from the Gaza Ministry of Health and official Israeli government statements.

However, the actual number of casualties in Gaza may be higher than recorded. This is because the Israeli military blocked communication lines in Gaza since Friday, October 27, 2023.

"Although most communication lines were restored by October 29, 2023, it is difficult to estimate the true extent of damage and casualties during the period of October 27-29, 2023, as Palestinian civil defense teams and medical personnel struggled to reach victims," OCHA stated in a press release on Sunday, October 29, 2023.

OCHA also reported that the number of displaced people in Gaza has exceeded 1.4 million. Approximately 671,000 of them are staying in UNRWA emergency shelters, while the rest are scattered in various locations. UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Amidst this situation, conditions in UNRWA shelters are deteriorating due to overcrowding.

"On October 28, 2023, thousands of people entered several UNRWA warehouses and supply distribution centers in central and southern Gaza, taking flour, hygiene supplies, and other goods," said OCHA.

"On October 29, 2023, UNRWA Director of Operations Tom White stated that this is a worrying sign, indicating a breakdown of civil order after three weeks of war and a tight siege on Gaza," it continued.

OCHA mentioned that aid supplies are arriving from outside Gaza, but the inflow remains limited, and distribution is difficult due to the insecure situation.

"All humanitarian agencies and teams are facing significant obstacles due to ongoing fighting, movement restrictions, and shortages of electricity, fuel, water, medicine, and other essential goods. Humanitarian teams are unable to reach people in need and safely access supply warehouses," OCHA stated.