Israel’s 15-month war in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, has had devastating consequences on the enclave. The conflict has resulted in the destruction of significant portions of the area and critical healthcare infrastructure, putting immense pressure on the functioning hospitals.
Despite mediators announcing a ceasefire and a hostage deal set to begin on Sunday, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. A recent Israeli strike on a residential area in northern Gaza claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals and left 20 others injured, as reported by the Gaza Civil Defense.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 46,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza since the onset of the war, with nearly 18,000 of the deceased being children. However, a recent study suggests that the actual number of casualties may be significantly higher.
The research estimates that there were approximately 64,260 'traumatic injury deaths' in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and June 30, 2024, surpassing the Ministry of Health's reported figure of 37,877 during that period. The study further indicates that by October 2024, the death toll due to violence in Gaza could exceed 70,000, factoring in the underreporting rate.
Moreover, the study highlights that the total number of deaths resulting from Israel’s military campaign is likely even greater, as it does not encompass fatalities caused by disruptions to healthcare services, inadequate access to food, clean water, sanitation, and the spread of diseases.
