The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a staggering new level, with the death toll now standing at 69,483 since the Israeli occupation’s assault began on October 7, 2023. According to multiple medical sources and official statements cited by WAFA, SadaNews, and Al Jazeera, the majority of the dead are women and children—a detail that underscores the harrowing impact of the ongoing conflict on Gaza’s most vulnerable residents.
As of November 16, 2025, the number of wounded has climbed to 170,706, with many victims still trapped under collapsed buildings. Rescue teams are struggling to reach those buried beneath the rubble, especially in high-risk areas made inaccessible by continued hostilities and the threat of renewed violence. In just the last 72 hours, Gaza’s hospitals have received 17 bodies—two of whom were new victims, while the remaining 15 were retrieved from the debris. In addition, three people were admitted with injuries, as reported by local health authorities and confirmed by SadaNews.
Since the ceasefire agreement was reached on October 11, 2025, the violence has hardly abated. In fact, at least 266 people have been killed and 635 wounded by Israeli attacks since that date, with 548 bodies recovered from the rubble, according to figures reported by both WAFA and Al Jazeera. The Ministry of Health in Gaza emphasized that the number of victims still trapped remains unknown, as rescue operations are severely hampered by the ongoing security situation and the lack of access to certain neighborhoods.
Beyond the sheer numbers, the crisis in Gaza’s health sector has become a catastrophe in its own right. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stark warning this week, revealing that over 900 Palestinian patients have died while waiting for medical evacuation permits that Israeli authorities continue to block or delay. At least 16,500 patients are currently awaiting approval to leave Gaza for treatment that local hospitals, devastated by months of bombardment and blockade, can no longer provide. Among these are 4,000 critically ill children whose survival depends on immediate medical transfers, according to the WHO.
“Every additional hour of delay is equivalent to a death sentence for Gaza’s most vulnerable,” WHO health officials stressed, highlighting the dire situation facing those with advanced cancers, severe injuries, organ failure, and other life-threatening conditions. Local hospitals are operating at less than 50% capacity due to chronic shortages of fuel, essential medicines, medical equipment, and anesthesia. These shortages, compounded by ongoing attacks and siege-imposed restrictions on humanitarian aid, have left medical teams struggling to keep even the most basic emergency procedures running.
Since May 2024, the WHO has managed to conduct 119 medical evacuation missions, transferring 8,000 patients abroad for treatment—including 5,500 children. Yet these life-saving missions represent only a fraction of the need, with thousands still trapped in worsening conditions. Humanitarian groups warn that unless Israel lifts its restrictions and allows unhindered medical evacuations, the death toll will continue to rise, adding yet another layer to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.
The numbers alone are sobering, but behind each statistic is a story of loss, fear, and resilience. Families have been torn apart, communities shattered, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The psychological toll is immense, particularly for children who have witnessed violence and destruction on a scale that defies comprehension. Many survivors face permanent disabilities, while others must grapple with the trauma of losing loved ones and homes in a conflict that shows little sign of resolution.
The international response has ranged from urgent calls for humanitarian access to pointed criticism of the ongoing blockade and military operations. The United Nations and various aid organizations have repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities and the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors to allow food, medicine, and rescue teams to reach those in desperate need. However, these appeals have often been met with political gridlock and on-the-ground realities that make the delivery of aid perilous, if not impossible.
The ceasefire agreement reached last month was initially hailed as a step toward de-escalation. Yet, as the numbers illustrate, violence has continued, and the humanitarian situation has only grown more acute. Local health officials and international observers alike have expressed frustration at the lack of progress and the apparent inability of diplomatic efforts to translate into meaningful relief for Gaza’s civilian population.
Amidst the chaos, ordinary Gazans continue to display remarkable resilience. Medical workers, often operating under fire and with minimal resources, have become unsung heroes—risking their lives to treat the wounded and save as many as they can. “We are exhausted, but we cannot stop,” one hospital director told Al Jazeera. “Every day we see more casualties, more suffering. We need the world to act, not just watch.”
The blockade’s impact on Gaza’s health infrastructure cannot be overstated. Hospitals that once provided comprehensive care are now forced to make impossible choices: who receives the last vial of medicine, who gets the remaining fuel for a generator, who is prioritized for the limited evacuation slots. The sense of desperation is palpable, with families crowding hospital corridors, hoping for news or a miracle that will allow their loved ones to escape the cycle of violence and deprivation.
International legal and humanitarian experts have raised concerns about the broader implications of the crisis. The deliberate withholding of medical evacuation permits and the targeting of health infrastructure may constitute violations of international law, including the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilians and medical personnel during armed conflict. Calls for independent investigations and accountability have grown louder, though concrete action remains elusive.
As the world watches, the people of Gaza face a future clouded by uncertainty. The numbers—69,483 dead, 170,706 wounded, over 900 perishing while awaiting evacuation—are not just statistics. They are a testament to the urgent need for a comprehensive, lasting solution that prioritizes human life, dignity, and the right to health. Until then, the suffering in Gaza remains a stark reminder of the human cost of protracted conflict and the imperative for meaningful international intervention.
