Israel's Remarkable Ratio: 2 Civilians Killed for Every Hamas Militant, Reflecting Strength Amid Combat Challenges

The Israeli military spokesperson told CNN that the ratio of two Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza for every Hamas militant is seen as "tremendously positive" in the context of urban combat. According to a briefing for foreign media by senior Israeli military officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) believes that about two civilians have been killed in Gaza for every Hamas militant. This information was reported by the AFP news agency on Monday.

When questioned by CNN's Erin Burnett about the report, IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus confirmed its accuracy. He went on to emphasize that the ratio of casualties in the conflict between the military and a terrorist organization using civilians as human shields was remarkably positive and possibly unprecedented in the world.

Smoke can be seen billowing over the Palestinian enclave near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on December 3, 2023. The image captures the Israeli bombardment amid ongoing clashes between Israel and the militant group Hamas. On that day, Israel launched deadly airstrikes in Gaza as calls increased internationally for the protection of civilians and the extension of an expired truce with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Menahem Kahana/AFP/Getty Images

CNN Gaza reporters relatives killed and childhood home destroyed in two separate strikes

Since October 7, over 15,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza's Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated at a press conference that the military has killed "thousands of terrorists," although the Israeli military has not released official estimates of those killed.

According to AFP, an Israeli military official, who chose to remain unnamed, acknowledged that the reported death toll of around 5,000 Hamas militants is approximately accurate. Additionally, a high-ranking U.S. State Department official informed Congress recently that the actual number of casualties might be even higher than what is currently being reported, citing the challenges of assessing casualty figures during ongoing conflict.

Barbara Leaf, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, stated that it is extremely challenging for anyone to determine the exact rate of casualties. She expressed belief that the casualties are significantly high and may even surpass the reported numbers. Leaf mentioned that the true extent of casualties will only be known once the conflict comes to an end.