I think there is probably room to take in both numbers, meaning the IDF number for combatants killed, and the health ministry’s number for total killed. I’m not really seeing how they must by definition be mutually exclusive and therefore, point of gun, choose one or the other. They may be both right, or at close to right, although there may be some definitional differences.
I think most people agree that there have been a number of civilians, probably running into six figures, who have nothing to do with the politics of any of this who have been killed, wounded, missing, or made homeless from the ruthless and indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza. It’s been just ****ing horrific for people there who just want nothing more than to live ordinary, everyday lives. If I were a man given to praying for people, they’d be up near the top of my list.