Research Indicates Gaza Death Toll Significantly Higher Than Reported

A study reveals Gaza's death toll during the Israel-Hamas conflict may be underreported by 41%, leading to estimates as high as 78,525 deaths.

50%

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World

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Leans Left

Summary

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Recent research in The Lancet suggests that the Palestinian death toll due to the ongoing war in Gaza may be underestimated by 41%, leading to estimates of over 64,000 fatalities from traumatic injuries alone. Official figures from Gaza’s health ministry reported approximately 37,877 deaths up to June 2024. The report also indicates a significant proportion of casualties among women, children, and the elderly. Meanwhile, Israeli officials reject these figures, asserting their military operations are designed to minimize civilian harm. International verification remains challenging due to restricted media access in the region.

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From the Left

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The Lancet study estimates the death toll in Gaza from the Israel-Hamas war is 40% higher than reported by Palestinian health officials, suggesting comprehensive underreporting of civilian deaths.
The study indicates that a majority of the casualties are civilians, including significant numbers of women and children, calling attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The research highlights the challenges faced in accurate reporting due to Israeli military actions disrupting healthcare facilities, exacerbating the situation in Gaza.

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Highlights (4)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

The death toll of Israel’s genocide in Gaza is likely far higher than reported by health officials, by a margin of tens of thousands of deaths, researchers from a top research university have found in a new study published online on Thursday.
Study Finds Gaza Death Toll Likely 40 Percent Higher Than Official Count
Truthout
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Left
The study’s best estimate was 64,260 dead, which would mean the health ministry had under-reported the number of deaths to that point by 41%. The estimate represented 2.9% of Gaza’s prewar population, “or approximately one in 35 inhabitants”.
Gaza death toll 40% higher than official number, Lancet study finds
The Guardian
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Leans Left
The Palestinian death toll from the war in Gaza could be substantially higher than official figures reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, research published in The Lancet medical journal suggests.
Gaza war death toll could be significantly higher, researchers say
BBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The total number of dead in Gaza represents a little more than 2% of the tiny enclave's population, with an average of about 3,000 people killed each month or 100 killed each day since Hamas-led terrorists attacked southern Israel 15 months ago.
Gaza deaths top 46,000 as one study suggests it could be much higher, and some pin ceasefire hopes on Trump
CBS News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center