Leaked Israeli intel: By May 2025, only 17% of Gaza’s 53,000 dead were fighters — 83% were civilians

Multiple independent sources report on leaked classified Israeli military intelligence data from May 2025 showing a high civilian death toll in Gaza during the conflict. According to investigations by The Guardian and 972 Magazine, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) database suggests that out of approximately 53,000 deaths, only about 17% were militants or fighters, while the remaining 83% were civilians. This proportion is described as an extreme civilian casualty rate rarely matched in modern warfare.

2) 972 Magazine corroborates this figure, citing the same intelligence database and emphasizing the unprecedented scale of civilian casualties.972mag.com972mag.comIDF database suggests 83% of Gaza dead were civilians

The leaked recordings reported by ABC17NEWS and CNN ( and ) do not dispute these casualty figures but focus on the moral and strategic framing by former Israeli military intelligence officials regarding the necessity of these deaths.abc17news.comabc17news.comLeaked recording reveals ex-Israeli military intelligence chief calling 50,000...cnn.comcnn.comLeaked recording reveals ex-Israeli military intelligence chief calling 50,000...

While these sources agree on the high civilian death rate, it is important to note that these figures come from leaked and classified data not officially confirmed by the Israeli government publicly. There may be political motivations influencing how data is presented or interpreted. Additionally, definitions of 'fighter' versus 'civilian' can be contested in conflict zones.

In summary, based on multiple independent journalistic investigations relying on leaked Israeli military intelligence data, the claim that by May 2025 only about 17% of Gaza’s approximately 53,000 dead were fighters and 83% were civilians is supported by credible evidence. However, some uncertainty remains due to the nature of leaked data and potential definitional ambiguities.