A new study conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine reveals that the death toll from the Gaza conflict has reached over 64,000 people, significantly higher than previously reported. The research indicates that the Israeli military's earlier estimates underestimated the actual death toll by 41%, highlighting the tragic loss of life, particularly among vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly, which accounted for 59% of the deaths documented.
Researchers caution that the official count of 64,260 fatalities is likely an underestimate, as it does not account for deaths stemming from inadequate health care, contaminated water, and deteriorating sanitation conditions, which can further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. This means that the actual toll could be far greater, painting a grim picture of the situation for civilians in Gaza and raising concerns over the ongoing conflict's impacts on health and safety.
While health officials in Gaza have reported 37,877 deaths up to June 2023, the study's authors assert that these figures serve as a minimum estimate and that the actual death toll is still severely underestimated. The analysis combined data from morgue records with social media obituaries to derive more accurate numbers, highlighting a pressing need for comprehensive and transparent record-keeping in conflict zones to better understand the human cost of war.
The study has intensified criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces accusations of genocide from human rights advocates and NGOs. In response, Netanyahu has dismissed these claims as false and outrageous, revealing the deep political divisions surrounding the aftermath of the conflict. Additionally, the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for both Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of crimes against humanity, escalating global scrutiny of Israel's military actions.
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