**Gaza War: Research Suggests Higher Death Toll Than Official Figures Indicate**

Thu Apr 03 2025 03:58:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Gaza War: Research Suggests Higher Death Toll Than Official Figures Indicate**

A new study in The Lancet reveals that the death toll in Gaza could be significantly underestimated, with implications for both humanitarian and political narratives.


A UK-led research analysis spurred by the ongoing conflict in Gaza indicates that the actual Palestinian death toll may be much higher than officially reported. The study, appearing in The Lancet, suggests that as of June 30, 2024, around 64,260 Palestinians may have died due to traumatic injuries, representing an under-reporting of about 41% compared to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The research utilized data from various sources, including the health ministry and online surveys, emphasizing concerns over accurate casualty reporting amidst ongoing conflict.

While the Hamas-run health ministry, which treats its figures as reliable, reports conservative death tolls without distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants, the United Nations acknowledges that the majority of verified victims in previous reports were women and children. In contrast, the Israeli government has expressed mistrust toward these figures, claiming its own military operations have resulted in the elimination of "over 17,000 terrorists."

The complexity of the situation is exacerbated by restrictions on international media access to Gaza, including journalists from reputable organizations like the BBC. This limited access makes independent verification of on-ground realities a significant challenge. The study employed a method known as "capture-recapture," traditionally used to ascertain mortality rates in conflict zones, by analyzing overlapping death records across various reports.

The striking death toll estimates range between 55,298 to 78,525, a significant difference from the 37,877 reported by the health ministry. However, researchers caution that the estimates may vary based on the analysis' accuracy. Notably, the study found that 59% of those killed were women, children, and the elderly, highlighting the civilian impact of the conflict.

The current war, which commenced following a deadly Hamas attack resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and hostages taken, has sparked intense military responses, with the health ministry claiming 46,006 deaths due to Israeli actions, predominantly among civilians. This ongoing crisis continues to raise questions about the reliability of death tolls and the broader implications for humanitarian efforts and political resolutions in the region.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 23:33:18 GMT

Violence Against Humanitarian Workers in Gaza Sparks Outrage

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 23:33:18 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:15:40 GMT

Israel's Military Strategy in Gaza Intensifies Amid Cease-Fire Failures

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:15:40 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:31:45 GMT

Gaza Faces Worsening Humanitarian Crisis as Bakeries Close Amid Ongoing Israeli Blockade

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:31:45 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:20:28 GMT

Survivor's Testimony Contradicts Israeli Claims on Gaza Medics Attack

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:20:28 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:37:18 GMT

Escalating Violence in Gaza: Israel's Military Offensive Intensifies

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:37:18 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:34:54 GMT

Desperation in Mandalay: Earthquake Survivors Face Dismal Reality

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:34:54 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:55:23 GMT

Myanmar Military Conflicts Linger as Quake Relief Efforts Endanger Chinese Convoy

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:55:23 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:10:31 GMT

Israel Intensifies Military Operations in Gaza Amid Ongoing Hostilities

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:10:31 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:36:57 GMT

Resilience Amidst Chaos: A Family's Struggle in Gaza

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:36:57 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:25:14 GMT

Escalation in Gaza: Israel to Expand Military Operation

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:25:14 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:52:03 GMT

UNICEF Reports Alarming Child Casualties Amid Renewed Conflict in Gaza

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:52:03 GMT
Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:06:51 GMT

Heartbreak and Loss: A Survivor's Grief in the Aftermath of Myanmar's Earthquake

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:06:51 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:39:09 GMT

**Netanyahu Denounces Qatar Probe as Political Witch Hunt Amid Escalating Tensions**

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:39:09 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:37:14 GMT

Mandalay's Tragedy: Death and Despair Follow Devastating Earthquake

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:37:14 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:35:02 GMT

UNICEF Reports Alarming Child Casualties Amid Renewed Gaza Offensive

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:35:02 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:52:41 GMT

Netanyahu Labels Qatar Probe a "Witch Hunt" as His Aides Face Arrests

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:52:41 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:49:19 GMT

U.S. Diplomats Ordered to Monitor Social Media of Student Visa Applicants

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:49:19 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:15:27 GMT

Israeli Air Strike in Beirut Claims Four Lives, Fractures Ceasefire Agreement

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:15:27 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:37:21 GMT

U.N. Blames Israel for Attack on Humanitarian Workers in Gaza

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:37:21 GMT
Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:50:29 GMT

**Netanyahu Withdraws Intelligence Chief Nominee Amid Controversy**

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:50:29 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.