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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Congress on Thursday that more than 25,000 women and children had been killed by Israel in Gaza since October 7, but the Pentagon later clarified that estimate, claiming the figure came from the health ministry in Gaza, not US intelligence.

During a congressional hearing, Austin was asked how many Palestinian women and children had been killed by Israel and Austin replied: "It is over 25,000."

A few hours later, Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokesperson, said that Austin was citing an estimate from the Gaza health ministry and was referring to total Palestinians killed, not just women and children.

"We cannot independently verify these Gaza casualty figures," Singh said in a statement.

In late January, Palestinian health officials said the death toll from Israel's brutal military campaign had passed 25,000. That number, according to the health ministry, stands at 30,228 as of Friday.

More than 100 Palestinians had been shot dead by Israeli forces as they waited for an aid delivery on Thursday, drawing widespread condemnation globally.

Austin, during the hearing, also added that about 21,000 precision guided munitions had been provided to Israel since the start of its war in Gaza, as the US continues to provide military support to Israel throughout the war.