From rubble to graveyards, Gaza continues recovering its martyrs

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
18 Oct 2025 18:02
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The Gaza Strip death toll has reached 68,116 since October 7, 2023, as a result of the Israeli aggression.

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The bodies of killed Palestinians held by "Israel" during the war are downloaded from Red Cross vehicles after their release, at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 15, 2025 (AP)

Although the ceasefire in Gaza has been in effect for a week, the humanitarian tragedy continues to unfold, with the death toll rising as bodies of martyrs are discovered beneath the rubble and on streets previously inaccessible amid the relentless Israeli bombardment.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, 29 martyrs were recorded over the past 48 hours, distributed as follows:

23 martyrs recovered from under the rubble.
Two martyrs who succumbed to injuries sustained in Israeli attacks.
Four martyrs killed by direct targeting by the occupation.

Israeli attacks on Gaza persist, with 21 injuries being recorded during the past 48 hours as well. Among the recent atrocities is the Al-Abu Shaaban massacre, which remains a tragic marker of the brutality of the occupation. According to health authorities, 11 martyrs remain under the rubble in the area and have not yet been recovered. These individuals are not included in the official statistics until their bodies are retrieved.

This raises the death toll since October 7, 2023, to 68,116 martyrs, with 170,200 injuries documented, according to the Gaza health ministry report.

Bodies recovered and unaccounted victims

A significant number of victims are still trapped under debris or lie on roads inaccessible to ambulance crews and civil defense teams due to ongoing hostilities.

As of now, 15 unidentified bodies held by the occupation have been returned. This brings the total number of bodies received from the occupation to 135, delivered in multiple batches (45 + 45 + 30 + 15).

In addition, 120 martyrs have recently been added to the official statistics. These were individuals previously classified as missing. The judicial committee confirmed their status following thorough investigations conducted between October 10 and October 17, 2025.

Ceasefire period casualty statistics

Since the ceasefire announcement on October 11, 2025, the Gaza Strip has recorded 27 martyrs, 143 injuries, and 404 recoveries.

Despite the declared ceasefire, violations by the occupation continue, contributing to the mounting toll of Gaza war casualties and impeding recovery efforts.