Current figures from the health ministry show approximately 37,877 deaths, but this may not account for the high number of civilian casualties, as many verified victims are reported to be women and children. Amid disputes over reported numbers, the UN accepts the health ministry's data, despite concerns raised by Israel regarding its accuracy. The Israel Defense Forces claim to have targeted more than 17,000 Hamas fighters, but independent verification is limited due to restrictions on international journalists in Gaza. Using a statistical method known as "capture-recapture," researchers suggest that the civilian toll could be much higher, underlining the challenges in reporting accurate death figures amid the conflict's chaos.
Gaza War Death Toll: Researchers Warn It Could be Much Higher
Gaza War Death Toll: Researchers Warn It Could be Much Higher
A new study suggests that the Palestinian death toll from the Gaza conflict is likely underestimated, sparking concern over the accuracy of reported figures.
A research published in The Lancet indicates that the death toll from the ongoing Gaza conflict could exceed 64,000, significantly higher than the official numbers from the Hamas-run health ministry. The UK-led study, which processed various data sources including family surveys and hospital records, estimates a staggering 64,260 Palestinians may have died by June 2024. This represents an alarming under-reporting of about 41%.
