35,000+ Palestinian Killed by Israel since Oct 2023

The heart-wrenching devastation in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 has claimed a staggering 37,396 lives by mid-2024, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. This grim statistic, corroborated by Israeli intelligence, the UN, and the WHO, paints a vivid picture of the relentless carnage. Despite attempts by some to discredit these figures, independent analyses have consistently validated their accuracy, exposing the human toll of this tragic conflict.

The Gaza Health Ministry, grappling with the destruction of its infrastructure, has had to adapt its reporting methods. Relying not only on hospital data but also on information from media sources and first responders, they strive to maintain an accurate death toll. The harrowing reality is that 30% of the 35,091 reported deaths by May 2024 remained unidentified, highlighting the scale of the chaos and destruction. Despite these efforts, some officials and media outlets have manipulated these necessary changes to question the data’s credibility, further complicating the already dire situation.

A man reacts as Palestinians search for casualties a day after Israeli strikes on houses in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, November 1. REUTERS/Mohammed Al-Masri

The humanitarian catastrophe extends beyond the immediate death toll. The NGO Airwars has documented that the reported figures often underestimate the true number of victims, with many bodies still buried under the rubble of the decimated Gaza Strip. The UN estimates that 35% of buildings in Gaza were destroyed by early 2024, with over 10,000 bodies potentially still trapped beneath the debris. This stark reality underscores the likelihood that the actual death toll is much higher than reported.

The indirect consequences of the conflict are equally devastating. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure, combined with severe shortages of food, water, and shelter, has set the stage for a humanitarian disaster that will persist long after the violence subsides. The loss of funding to UNRWA, a crucial humanitarian organization, exacerbates these challenges. The indirect death toll, from diseases and lack of basic necessities, is expected to be several times higher than the direct casualties. Estimates suggest that up to 186,000 or more deaths could result from this conflict, impacting nearly 8% of Gaza’s population.

An immediate ceasefire is not just a moral imperative but a necessity to halt the spiraling human tragedy. The international community must ensure the distribution of medical supplies, food, and clean water to alleviate the suffering. Moreover, documenting the full extent of the suffering is crucial for historical accountability and future recovery efforts. The International Court of Justice’s directive to Israel to preserve evidence of the atrocities committed is a vital step toward justice. The Gaza Health Ministry’s role in recording the dead is essential for this process, ensuring that the world does not forget the immense human cost of this genocide.

Source: Rasha Khatib, Martin McKee, and Salim Yusuf with The Lancelet