Around 50,000 people were killed during the six-month conflict in Libya, until the rebels took over Tripoli, the Benghazi-based Quryna newspaper reported Wednesday.
Hisham Abu Hajar, the coordinator of the opposition fighters in Tripoli, said that the death toll includes both rebels and civilians killed since February, DPA reported.
He said that they depended on statistics by the Red Cross as well as the deaths of Tripoli, Misurata and Western Mountains battles against forces loyal to Moamer Gaddafi, according to the report.
Rebels are still trying to re-establish security and meet locals' needs for basic items and services in the capital, a week after they declared control of Tripoli.
The Transitional National Council gave forces loyal to the fugitive leader Gaddafi until Saturday to surrender, hoping that rebels would enter Sirte and southern areas peacefully to "avoid more bloodshed and destruction."
Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown, is located on the Mediterranean coast between Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi. The rebels are negotiating with the town's tribal chieftains for its peaceful surrender.
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