Mon Feb 03 09:38:19 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Death Toll Soars to 61,709 After 14,000 Presumed Dead Added
**GAZA CITY** – The death toll from Israel’s recent war on Gaza has risen dramatically to 61,709, Gaza authorities announced today. This staggering increase includes 14,222 individuals previously listed as missing and now presumed dead, trapped under rubble or in inaccessible areas.
The head of the Gaza Government Information Office, Salama Maarouf, revealed that while 76 percent of the deceased have been recovered, the sheer scale of destruction continues to hinder rescue efforts. The updated figures paint a grim picture, with 17,881 children, including 214 newborns, among the victims. Over 111,588 people have been injured, and more than 2 million have been displaced, many multiple times, facing dire conditions and lacking essential services.
The announcement comes amidst a fragile ceasefire, tentatively set to last until early March. This pause in hostilities, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, has allowed rescue teams to access previously unreachable areas, transforming many homes into mass graves. However, the ceasefire’s continuation hangs precariously, with negotiations for a permanent peace set to begin today.
The high death toll also includes significant numbers of essential workers, with at least 1,155 medical personnel, 205 journalists, and 194 civil defense workers among the casualties. The upcoming negotiations face considerable pressure, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing calls from within his government to resume fighting. Mr. Netanyahu, currently in Washington for meetings with President Trump, stated that their discussions will focus on securing the release of hostages and defeating Hamas. Both Mr. Netanyahu and Hamas leaders are wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes. The failure of these negotiations could lead to a resumption of hostilities in March.
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