Israel’s Army Radio admitted on Monday that since October 7, 2023, a total of 1,152 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the Gaza war, with nearly 42 percent of them under the age of 21.
The figures come despite strict military censorship that continues to suppress the full extent of Israel’s battlefield losses.
According to the report, more than 6,500 relatives have now been added to the registry of bereaved families of the Israeli military, including around 1,973 parents, 351 widows, 885 orphans, and 3,481 siblings.
The radio further reported that 262 soldiers were added to the list of casualties over the past year, noting that most of the dead were young and unmarried troops serving in the front lines.
Nearly two years ago, following its intelligence and operational failure against Palestinian resistance in Gaza, Israel launched a devastating campaign claiming it would bring home its captives alive and dismantle the resistance movement. Those promises have proven hollow—several captives have been killed by Israeli airstrikes, and Palestinian resistance remains steadfast despite months of bombardment.
On Sunday, retired Israeli general Yitzhak Brik criticized prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and condemned the prolonged war, saying Israel has become “the biggest loser” for refusing to reach an agreement with Hamas.