Gaza Death Toll Reaches 72,783 as Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip has grown ever more harrowing. By Saturday (23 May 2026), local medical authorities reported that the number of fatalities in Gaza from the aggression ongoing since October 2023 had reached 72,783. In addition to the dead, medical data recorded 172,779 people injured. The report emphasised that the majority of those affected in this protracted conflict are vulnerable groups, namely women and children.
The reported death toll is believed to be far below the actual figure. Medical sources stated that thousands of other victims remain trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings. Access for ambulances and rescue teams has been hampered, making evacuation extremely difficult.
In the latest development, at least 776 bodies have been recovered from beneath rubble at various points in the enclave.
In the last 24 hours, eight Palestinians were killed and 29 injured, subsequently rushed to Gaza hospitals for urgent treatment.
Although a ceasefire was reportedly reached on 11 October 2025, violence continues to be reported. From that date to today, there have been a further 890 deaths and 2,677 injuries.
The health facilities in Gaza are currently at a nadir, with shortages of medicines and medical equipment to treat hundreds of thousands of injured people arriving. The international community has continued to highlight this escalation as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century.
As of this report, international humanitarian aid remains hampered by the blockade and unstable security conditions on the ground. The attack caused severe damage to Hiram Hospital, including the operating theatres, staff housing, patient wards, clinics, electrical networks, and the building’s windows.
Deputy Chair of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sukamta of the PKS faction, welcomed the release of Indonesian nationals who had joined the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 activists. They had previously been detained by Israel.
Nine Indonesian nationals who were volunteers with the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 arrived in Istanbul, Turkey and underwent a series of health tests, visa checks, and testimony collection before being repatriated to Indonesia.
Meet Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister who frequently provokes international controversy through his policies and rhetoric on the far right.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has drawn international condemnation and sharp rebukes from Prime Minister Netanyahu after releasing a video insulting Gaza-bound activists.
The Israeli military intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 in international waters. Three Indonesian journalists were detained. The Press Council urged diplomatic efforts.
The Israeli military was again reported to act unilaterally by hijacking the Global Sumud Flotilla ships; among them were Indonesian volunteers.
Israel claims to have killed Ezzedin al-Haddad, Hamas’s military commander, in an airstrike on Gaza City amid a ceasefire period.
The first group of West Bank pilgrims began departing for Saudi Arabia, while Gaza residents again failed to depart due to Israeli restrictions.
Israel will release two Global Sumud Flotilla activists, Saif Abukeshek and Thiago de Avila, after being detained since April.