Ex-Israeli military chief reveals over 200,000 casualties in Gaza war
- Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reported that over 10% of Gaza's population has been affected by the war.
- He referenced potential casualty figures that align closely with reports from the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
- His comments highlight the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the contentious nature of casualty reports.
In a recent statement, former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi disclosed significant figures concerning the casualties in Gaza during the ongoing conflict. He noted that, approximately 10% of Gaza's population, which stands at around 2.2 million, has either been killed or injured since the onset of the war nearly two years ago. This translates to more than 200,000 individuals affected. The former military leader's remarks were made during a gathering in Ein HaBesor, a community in southern Israel, yet the details only gained widespread attention after being reported by media outlets days later. Halevi's assertions align closely with statistics provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which reports almost 65,000 deaths and over 164,000 injuries attributed to Israeli forces. He acknowledged the contention surrounding these figures, as Israeli officials have historically challenged the health ministry's numbers, often citing concerns regarding the ministry's reliance on data from Hamas. This skepticism illustrates the ongoing tension between Israeli authorities and Palestinian health reports amidst a complicated and controversial military engagement. During his talk, Halevi, who stepped down in March following failures to avert a substantial attack by Hamas, refuted claims suggesting that legal advisors had impeded military operations. Insisting that he faced no restrictions from military lawyers, Halevi pointed to the importance of understanding the legal ramifications of military actions in the international arena, asserting that legal advice was aimed at protecting the State of Israel. His statements come amidst a broader discussion regarding the military's conduct and the legal frameworks guiding their operations. The backdrop of Halevi’s remarks consists of a grim humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing violence has led to a catastrophic loss of life and widespread injuries. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to unfold, the increasing casualty numbers have prompted international scrutiny and concern regarding the implications for civilians within the conflict zone. Halevi’s statements reflect the complicated dynamics at play, with ongoing debates over military ethics, accountability, and the impact of war on innocent lives in both Gaza and Israel.