Palestine (Washington Insider) - The Gaza Civil Defence, with the ministries of health and religious endowments, recovered 94 bodies in central Gaza City and moved thousands to cemeteries amid ongoing destruction and rescue challenges.
As Ramzi Mahmud and Ranis Abu Shamla reported on AA MiddleEast News, the Gaza Civil Defence reported on Saturday, Dec 20, 2025, that it had recovered 94 bodies of Palestinians from collapsed buildings in central Gaza City. The victims were taken to the forensic department at Al-Shifa Medical Complex, the largest hospital in Gaza, where officials are examining the remains and preparing them for burial.
The bodies will be buried in the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza. Rescue teams have faced many challenges due to damaged roads, destroyed buildings, and ongoing hostilities, which have slowed recovery efforts.
How many Palestinians remain trapped in Gaza after 70,700 killed?
Thousands of Palestinians are still believed to be trapped under rubble following the Israeli military attacks that began in October 2023. Officials mentioned that the widespread destruction has left many neighbourhoods in ruins and made it difficult for rescue teams to reach survivors.
Officials warn that the death toll could rise as work continues. The situation has raised concern internationally, with aid organisations calling for urgent humanitarian help and safe access for rescue teams. Families continue to search for loved ones while dealing with the massive destruction across the Gaza Strip.
The Gaza Civil Defence said it has moved thousands of bodies from scattered and temporary burial sites to official cemeteries across the enclave. The operation was carried out with the help of the ministries of health and religious endowments. Authorities said the transfer ensures that the dead are properly buried and that their remains can be identified.
According to data from October 2023, an estimated 70,700 Palestinians were killed during the course of the Israeli military action against Gaza, including over 52,000 women and children. In addition, over 171,100 people sustained injuries due to airstrikes and shelling.
The civilian and military attacks caused considerable destruction to necessities (homes, schools, hospitals, and so forth), as well as general infrastructure, across the entire area of the Gaza Strip. The violence ceased on October 10, 2025, when a temporary ceasefire was brokered between Israel and Hamas.