Israel reveals true cost of Gaza war: 899 dead, thousands injured

The Israeli army confirmed the death of Uri Gerlitz, a lieutenant, during today’s battles with Palestinian resistance forces in southern Gaza. According to Channel 12, Gerlitz was a platoon commander in the Samson Battalion, part of the Kfir Brigade.

The channel added that since the start of the Gaza war, the number of Israeli officers and soldiers killed has reached 899, of whom 455 were killed in ground operations inside Gaza.

The Israeli army also announced that 6,210 soldiers have been wounded since the start of the war, with 925 of them in critical condition. According to the statement, 167 Israeli officers and soldiers wounded in Gaza battles are currently under treatment, with the condition of 165 described as moderate to serious.

The military further admitted that 78 officers and soldiers were killed due to friendly fire, while 1,998 others were wounded.

Israel is known for releasing its casualty figures gradually, under strict security, social, and political considerations. According to Gaza resistance sources, the real toll is much higher.

The Hebrew-language website Hadashot Bezman reported yesterday that in a Palestinian operation in southern Gaza, at least one Israeli soldier was killed and several others wounded.

In a related development, Al Jazeera quoted Israeli media sources as saying that the resistance operation was carried out using a roadside bomb.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing growing domestic and international pressure to end the war, has recently launched a plan to expand military operations in Gaza City under the pretext of destroying Hamas and freeing Israeli captives — in reality aimed at preserving his fragile coalition with extremist ministers.