Many remain under rubble amid deaths in Gaza exceed 40,000

In the latest update on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, health authorities report that the death toll has exceeded 40,000, with the majority being civilians. This figure represents nearly 2% of Gaza’s prewar population, underscoring the devastating impact of the war.

However, this number only accounts for bodies that have been recovered and buried. Many more remain missing, trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings, as a lack of heavy equipment and resources hinders rescue operations.

Officials estimate that approximately 10,000 airstrike victims are still buried under collapsed structures. The Ministry of Health is working to include these individuals in the official death toll, but the process is complicated by the challenges of recovering bodies amid ongoing hostilities. Efforts to develop new procedures for counting these missing individuals are underway but have yet to be approved.

Beyond those killed directly by bombs and bullets, the conflict has caused severe secondary impacts, leading to additional casualties. Mass displacement has forced thousands into overcrowded shelters and makeshift camps, where food, clean water, and sanitation are in short supply. The collapse of the healthcare system, compounded by hospital bombings and shortages of medical supplies, has resulted in deaths from diseases and untreated conditions.

Healthcare officials highlight that many individuals who died from indirect war impacts, such as illness and starvation, are not currently included in the official death toll. A committee is planned to assess these casualties, but it will begin its work only after the conflict subsides.

The Israeli government disputes the casualty figures reported by Gaza's health authorities, citing concerns over the credibility of data provided under Hamas's administration. However, past United Nations investigations have found that the figures from Gaza’s health officials closely match independent assessments, supporting their general accuracy.

By mid-August, over 32,000 victims of the conflict had been identified by name. Among them are thousands of civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. The conflict has also claimed the lives of journalists, medical staff, and paramedics. Despite the heavy civilian toll, the official count does not differentiate between combatants and civilians, and the number of fighters killed is estimated at around 15,000 by Israeli military sources.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire. Daily bombings continue to wreak havoc on civilian infrastructure, with the recent destruction of a school-turned-shelter highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Survivors face not only the grief of losing family members but also the psychological trauma of living under constant threat.

The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the conflict. Meanwhile, the people of Gaza endure severe hardships as the war shows little sign of abating. The full human cost of the conflict remains difficult to quantify, as the crisis exacerbates existing challenges and creates new ones for those affected by the ongoing violence.