Amnesty chief: Gaza death toll rise ‘no surprise’

The revised death toll in Gaza comes as no surprise to those who have closely monitored events over the past 15 months, says Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Callamard noted that even the previously reported figures were enough to warrant an International Court of Justice case and potential arrest warrants for Israeli leaders from the International Criminal Court.

“But it should have prompted a stronger response from governments much earlier. The revised death toll only underscores the urgency and gravity of what has been inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza,” she said.

She added that while the new figure of nearly 62,000 deaths may not have an immediate legal impact, it does not change the definition of genocide.

“Genocide is not about numbers; it is about the acts committed, such as deliberately creating conditions that lead to a population’s destruction, and the intent behind them,” said Callamard, whose organisation has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The official death toll from the Palestinian Health Ministry stands at 47,487. On Monday, the head of Gaza's information office stated that at least 14,222 people are missing and presumed buried under the rubble. While these figures have been included in the overall death toll, they have not been officially confirmed by the Palestinian Health Ministry.