Gaza is currently experiencing its longest communication blackout since the Israeli operation began in October.
Between October 7 and December 15, approximately 18,800 Palestinians have died, 70% of whom were women and children. The death toll includes over 300 health sector workers, 86 journalists, 135 employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and around 35 civil defense crews. In addition, more than 51,100 people have been reportedly wounded, with many others unaccounted for.
The report further states that out of 36 hospitals in the enclave, only eight are partially functional. Occupancy rates in inpatient departments have surged to 206%, while intensive care units are operating at a staggering 250% capacity.
I haven’t heard anything from a third party, and no doubt hamas is exagerating to some degree, but whatever the actual numbers are, I wouldn’t think the current estimate of ~20,000 is far off. Israel is intentionally bombing civilians, so the estimated number sounds fairly reasonable to me.
Easier to confirm, is the proportion of women & children. About half the population of Palestine is children, and about half are women. So ~75% being women or children also fits.
Hamas isn’t exaggerating, because the Gaza Health Ministry isn’t Hamas except by virtue of Hamas being the government of Gaza. The whole world trusts and uses the GHM’s numbers, because they’re accurate. Also the real number is more than 19000, because there are people still buried under rubble or otherwise missing.
I don’t think those commenters really care, they’re just looking for reassurance for their apathy. Denial will save them from inconvenience.
and no doubt hamas is exagerating to some degree
First, you’re going to need some sort of evidence to back up this claim. Second, Hamas isn’t who is publishing these numbers.
First, you’re going to need some sort of evidence to back up this claim.
It’s in their interest to exaggerate, and they are under the control of a terrorist organization.
Second, Hamas isn’t who is publishing these numbers.
My understanding is that the only people tracking & publishing the numbers is the Palestinian health ministry, which is under the control of Hamas. Everyone else is just saying “Gaza’s health ministry said X” and such.
It’s not “Hamas” reporting these death tolls, it’s the Palestinian health authority, which has a proven track record at very accurate health records. The UN trusts them as a source and western academics have no issues accepting their numbers.
If anything casualties are under reported.
