More than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel-Hamas war, Gaza health officials say

Israeli army fires warning shots in Gaza, leading to civilian casualties; Hamas blamed for attacks and hostage situation.

The Palestinian death toll from the 20-month Israel-Hamas war passed 55,000, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Wednesday (June 11, 2025), and hospitals said at least 21 people were killed while on their way to aid distribution sites.

The circumstances of the deaths reported near the sites were not immediately clear. The Israeli Army said on Wednesday (June 11, 2025) it fired warning shots in central Gaza toward “suspects” that posed a threat to troops.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operates the aid distribution sites, said at least five of its local aid workers were killed in an attack that it blamed on Hamas as they headed to one of the centres.

The Gaza Health Ministry doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants, but has said that women and children make up more than half the 55,000 dead. Israel says it only targets militants and blames civilian deaths on Hamas, accusing the militants of hiding among civilians, because they operate in populated areas.

The Ministry says 55,104 people have been killed since the start of the war and 127,394 wounded. Many more are believed to be buried under the rubble or in areas that are inaccessible to local medics. The figure did not include Wednesday's (June 11, 2025) deaths.

The Health Ministry is part of Gaza's Hamas-run government, but staffed by medical professionals who maintain and publish detailed records. Its tolls from previous conflicts have largely aligned with those of independent experts, though Israel has questioned the ministry's figures.

Also on Wednesday (June 11, 2025), Israel said forces recovered the remains of two additional hostages held in Gaza. Militants still hold 53 captives, less than half of them believed to be alive.