Death Toll in Gaza

The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 50,000, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. This figure includes 15,613 children under the age of 18. The ministry has released a detailed list of the deceased, including names, ages, and genders. The death toll has risen significantly since Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza last week, ending a two-month ceasefire.

How the Death Toll in Gaza is Calculated

Initially, the death toll was calculated by counting bodies that arrived at hospitals, with data including names and identity numbers for most of those killed. As the conflict continued and fewer hospitals and morgues operated, authorities adopted additional methods. From early May 2024, the ministry began including unidentified bodies in its tally. The ministry also started incorporating reports from families who submitted information online.

Is the Death Toll Comprehensive?

The reported numbers do not account for all victims, as many are still believed to be under the rubble. The Palestinian Health Ministry estimates that around 10,000 bodies remain uncounted. A peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet journal in January estimated that the actual death toll could be 41% higher than the official figures. The UN human rights office and other organizations also believe the true toll is likely higher.

How Credible is the Death Toll?

Pre-conflict Gaza had robust population statistics and health information systems, making its data more reliable than in many other Middle Eastern countries. A study by the UK-based Airwars non-profit found a correlation of at least 75% between its lists and those of Gazan authorities for thousands killed early in the conflict. The UN and the World Health Organization have expressed confidence in the ministry’s figures.

Breakdown of Civilians and Fighters Killed

The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its records. However, it has been stated that women and children make up more than half of the dead. The Israeli military claims to have killed around 20,000 fighters, but this figure is not independently verified.

What Each Side Says

Israel disputes the accuracy of the Gaza Health Ministry’s figures, claiming they are exaggerated and that Hamas uses civilians as “human shields”. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintains that it distinguishes between civilians and combatants and is committed to minimizing civilian harm. The UN and the US State Department, however, have repeatedly stated that they believe the health ministry’s figures to be accurate.

The Palestinian deaths haven’t stopped and the ceasefire has been broken by the Israelis ever since Trump came to office.