The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry claims more than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war with Israel.
On Friday, officials at Hamas said they have documented 20,057 deaths on the Gaza Strip since fighting intensified on October 7. This however does not differentiate between civilians and those killed in combat.
The announcement comes amid growing pressure for Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire. And previously Hamas had announced it would not be releasing anymore Israeli hostages until the war ends.
The deaths on the Gaza Strip amount to around 1% of its pre-war population. While around 85% of Gaza has been displaced since the conflict began with a Hamas surprise attack on October 7.
The Gaza Health Ministry estimates around two-thirds of those killed in the conflict are women and children. It also estimates 53,320 Palestinians have been hurt during the war.
The Israel Defense Forces claim to have killed 7,000 Hamas militants over the last 11 weeks. It has also blamed Hamas for the civilian death toll, alleging it operates in crowded areas.
