The death toll from Israel’s ongoing violations on the devastated Gaza Strip has risen to 72,069 Palestinians, with 171,728 injured since October 7, 2023, according to updated medical data released on Thursday.
Health authorities reported that two Palestinians were killed and four others wounded in the past 24 hours.
Emergency crews say the real toll is higher, as many victims remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings and in areas that ambulance teams cannot reach due to continued Israeli fire and destroyed roads.
Now the Israeli occupation army is firing at the tents of displaced families in northern Gaza Strip, in Beit Lahia, at a time when families are preparing their pre-dawn meal before the fast (Suhoor). pic.twitter.com/hAMIRNKPbB
— Sameh Ahmed 𓂆 🇵🇸 (@PalPress24) February 19, 2026
Medical officials noted that since the declared “ceasefire” on October 11, 2025, the number of Palestinians killed has climbed to 611, while 1,630 have been injured during the same period.
Rescue teams have also recovered 726 bodies from beneath the rubble, many of them decomposed after days or weeks without access.
Rescue Efforts Blocked by Ongoing Attacks
Civil defense teams report that Israeli forces continue to obstruct access to several neighborhoods, particularly in northern and central Gaza, where destroyed infrastructure and active military positions prevent ambulances from entering.
Residents describe hearing constant drone activity and intermittent shelling, making it impossible for families to retrieve the bodies of loved ones.
In multiple districts, survivors have resorted to digging through debris with basic tools or their bare hands, hoping to recover relatives before the remains become unidentifiable.
Health System Near Collapse
Hospitals across Gaza remain overwhelmed and critically under-resourced. Medical staff warn that shortages of fuel, anesthesia, antibiotics, and surgical supplies have forced doctors to perform procedures under extreme conditions.
Thousands of injured Palestinians are being treated in hallways, tents, or makeshift field units.
International humanitarian organizations continue to warn that the collapse of Gaza’s health system, combined with the inability to reach trapped victims, constitutes a severe and ongoing humanitarian emergency.
Humanitarian Conditions Worsen
Displaced families face acute shortages of food, clean water, and shelter. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, and winter conditions have intensified the suffering of those living in tents or exposed areas.
Aid convoys remain limited, and many areas are still inaccessible due to Israeli restrictions and active military operations.
Humanitarian agencies stress that without sustained access for rescue teams and medical supplies; the death toll will continue to rise even in the absence of large-scale bombardment.
