Read our Privacy noticeThe Israeli military has for the first time accepted figures released by Gaza’s health ministry showing that more than 70,000 Palestinians were killed during its war in the territory, according to a report. The Gaza health ministry says 71,667 people have been killed since Israel’s military operations began on 7 October 2023, including 492 who have been killed since a ceasefire agreement was finalised in October. Gaza health ministry records identify nearly all of the casualties using their names and identification numbers, but they do not distinguish between militants and civilians. At that time, Gaza’s health ministry placed the number at just over 45,600, suggesting it undercounted the true total by 40 per cent. The Israeli military intends to restrict the number of Palestinians allowed into Gaza to ensure that more leave than enter, Reuters reported, citing three sources.