Official Palestinian statistics reveal a troubling decline in Gaza's population, with a drop of 6 percent occurring in the last 15 months during Israel's military response to ongoing tensions. A report from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) noted that the death toll has now reached over 45,500 Palestinians, marking the highest casualties recorded in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Recent airstrikes have led to at least 13 Palestinian deaths, with multiple injuries reported across various regions of Gaza. A targeted attack on a makeshift shelter for displaced families in the al-Mawasi area, near Khan Younis, resulted in the death of 11 individuals, including women and children, while two brothers died in a separate airstrike in northern Gaza. Additionally, artillery fire was directed at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.
Ola Awad, the president of the PCBS, emphasized the devastating consequences of Israel's military operations since October 7, 2023, highlighting widespread devastation affecting not only human lives but also buildings and critical infrastructure. The report states that these brutal assaults have resulted in catastrophic losses, with the violence also impacting the West Bank, where numerous arrests and ongoing military actions have been reported.
The PCBS project that Palestine's population by the end of 2024 will total approximately 5.5 million, with 2.1 million in Gaza, reflecting the significant decline due to the current crisis. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has indicated that around 60,000 pregnant women are facing health risks amid the ongoing conflict, along with 155,000 additional distressed mothers struggling to access vital healthcare services; the report also mentioned the death of 36 children from famine and malnutrition.
In response to the PCBS report, Israel's foreign ministry has dismissed the findings as exaggerated and aimed at tarnishing Israel's reputation. However, Iyad Eid, a sociology professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia, remarked that the report highlights the severe conditions Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, are enduring, suggesting that despite rising fatalities, resistance to Israeli actions will persist. The report also indicated that a significant portion, about 22 percent, of Gaza's residents are experiencing severe food insecurity according to global monitoring metrics.
7 Comments
Matzomaster
This report highlights the dire humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza and deserves significant attention from the international community.
Karamba
It’s vital to bring attention to the dire needs and suffering of Palestinians, especially in light of such catastrophic loss of life.
Matzomaster
All parties need to work towards a solution rather than heightening tensions by publishing inflammatory reports like this.
Karamba
The report uses emotionally charged language to evoke sympathy, but we have to be careful about taking it at face value.
Rotfront
The situation is urgent, and we must not forget the hundreds of thousands of families struggling with food insecurities.
Leonardo
The international community must rally to support these individuals, not turn away from the harsh realities reported here.
Donatello
It’s appalling to see such high civilian casualties. The world must recognize the tragedy unfolding in Palestine and act urgently.