Gaza's Population Drops by 6% Amid Ongoing Conflict
- Publish date: since 2 day
The Gaza Strip’s population has seen a sharp decline during the 15-month war with Israel, with significant loss of life.
- Related articles
- Qatar Airways Resumes Flights to Syria
- UN Fires 9 Employees for Alleged Involvement in Hamas Attack
- Middle East Leads Asia in Population Growth, UN Data Shows
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) reports that Gaza's population has decreased by 6% since the war began. Approximately 100,000 residents have left the region, while over 55,000 people, including women and children, are confirmed dead. An additional 11,000 individuals are missing and presumed dead, bringing the total estimated population loss to 160,000.
Gaza's current population stands at 2.1 million, with children under 18 making up 47% of the total. The PCBS highlights that entire families have been wiped out, and vital infrastructure has been severely damaged.
Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict has left 22% of Gaza’s population facing catastrophic food insecurity, according to global food security standards. Among them, 3,500 children are at risk of death due to severe malnutrition.
Global Reactions and Allegations
Israel’s foreign ministry has dismissed the PCBS data as "fabricated and manipulated," while defending its military actions as necessary for self-defense following the October 2023 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis.
International bodies, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), have raised concerns about potential acts of genocide in Gaza. Pope Francis has also called for an investigation into whether Israel’s actions meet the criteria for genocide under international law. Israel denies these accusations, asserting compliance with international laws.
Escalating Tensions
The war has led to widespread destruction, with severe human and material losses reported. The PCBS described Israel’s actions as a "brutal aggression targeting all aspects of life." Meanwhile, accusations and counterclaims continue to fuel the global debate surrounding the conflict.