Gaza Among Most Dangerous Countries as 73,651 Palestinians Killed Since October 2023 and Activist Blames Hamas for War
Gaza's health ministry reports the Palestinian death toll since October 2023 has reached 73,651 in one of the most dangerous countries, with families bidding farewell to 100 loved ones recovered from rubble after two years as a Gazan activist who escaped Hamas threats calls for peace with Israel, demilitarization, and a new government without Hamas.
Updated Gaza Death Toll and Recent Casualties
As of 5 September 2026, Israeli military actions have killed 73,651 Palestinians and injured 174,575 since October 2023, according to Gaza's health ministry. [3] Hospitals received 17 bodies in the past 48 hours, including five newly killed, one from injuries, and 11 from rubble, plus 27 injured. [3] Post-ceasefire deaths since 11 October 2025 total 1,344. [3] A total of 815 bodies have also been recovered. [3] Health officials noted that a number of victims remain trapped beneath rubble and on roads, with rescue and ambulance crews struggling to reach them. [3] Wafa news agency reported that 160 additional Palestinian fatalities were added to the cumulative death toll after their records were completed and verified during August. [3]
Mass Funeral for Remains Recovered From Rubble
Families held a mass funeral for 100 loved ones recovered from rubble after two years, with candles and flowers in Gaza City. [2]
Families bid farewell to 100 loved ones recovered from rubble after two years in Gaza. — Source: anadolu
Activist's Escape From Hamas Threats
Gazan activist Moumen Al-Natour escaped Hamas threats in July 2025 after refusing questioning, fled through militia areas, and reached Italy. [1] The path out of Gaza began when men came to his door in Gaza City’s al-Shati refugee camp and ordered him to go to Shifa Hospital for questioning by Hamas’ internal security service. [1] Al-Natour refused and managed to escape, leaving behind Hamas operatives who demanded to know: “Where is Moumen?” [1] He said the men threatened his family, including his mother, sisters and brothers. [1] He fled to another location, moving through Khan Yunis and Al-Mawasi in search of a way out. [1] He reached an area under the control of Yasser Abu Shabab’s militia while arrangements were considered for an evacuation to Canada. [1] An Italian lawyer, Alessandra Casola, worked to help evacuate him and his family. [1] His family reached Italy toward the end of September 2025. [1] His own request to leave was initially refused by Abu Shabab, who wanted him to join the militia. [1]
Calls for Separation From Hamas and Peace With Israel
Mourners gather around the body of Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. — Source: middleeasteye
Al-Natour advocates separating civilians from Hamas via checkpoints, new education without radicalization, economic ties with Israel, and warns that including Hamas in future elections or government risks another October 7-style attack in 20-30 years. [1] He said: “Gaza is not Hamas. And Hamas is not Gaza.” [1] He reached out to the Center for Peace Communications in the United States, which helped explore ways to reach safety. [1] He rejects armed rule and told Abu Shabab: “I refused this because I want to be in government, not in militia.” [1] He said: “I want to make a service for my people. I want to save the civilians. But I don’t want to be a gang man.” [1] He wants peace between Gazans and Israel and does not want to be a spy for anyone. [1] He has been discussing a plan since January 2024 to separate Hamas fighters from civilians through checkpoints around a designated zone. [1] He argued such a process could be more reliable than accepting a promise by Hamas to disarm because he cannot trust Hamas. [1] If the plan is accepted he wants to return to a new government in his city. [1]
Vision for Demilitarization, Education, and Economic Ties
He estimates more than 70% of Gazans hate and refuse Hamas, wants to return to a new Gaza government without Hamas, and states Gaza cannot rebuild or avoid becoming like Afghanistan or Sudan with Hamas in control. [1] He described Hamas’ reach into religious institutions and education, saying it controlled more than 1,000 mosques and used schools to expose children to instruction on weapons. [1] He said this is very bad for the generations. [1] He insisted Gaza needs a new school and new education for the next generation. [1] He described an economic future tied to relations with Israel, including opportunities for Gazan workers to work and earn money there, stating without Israel they cannot do anything. [1] If education and most speech issues are not resolved he thinks Gaza will be like Afghanistan, like Sudan, like any country that has a war. [1] He wants to resolve everything and write new books. [1] He framed change not as a rejection of Islam but as a rejection of radicalization, noting Islamic teachings offer a lot of good things while condemning Hamas’ radical messaging. [1]
Assessment of Gazan Sentiment and Path Forward
He said Palestinians carry their own beliefs and grievances regarding Israel and the question of statehood. [1] He stated: “Okay, we want to live like neighbors with Israel, but Israel must create a new state for Palestinians.” [1] His own aspiration is far less complicated, and he repeated it until it became the interview’s refrain: “For me, I don’t want war. I want to live. I want to live. I want to work. I want my rights.” [1] He contrasted the rights people enjoy in Italy, Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia with what he said he could not obtain in his own city. [1] When asked how many Gazans might oppose Hamas, he answered carefully at first that he does not know the numbers, but then offered his own assessment that more than 70% of Gaza people hate Hamas and refuse Hamas. [1] He questioned how a meaningful election could take place amid destruction and territorial fragmentation, asking how an election can be made in a 30% area from Gaza Strip. [1] He warned that if Hamas is inside Gaza, after 20 years or 30 years a new leader in Hamas will make another 7th of October. [1]
What to watch next is whether checkpoints to separate civilians from Hamas will be implemented so Al-Natour and others can return to a new government without the group.
