A recent study published in the medical journal Lancet indicates that the death toll in the early months of the Gaza war is much higher than previously reported, with estimations between 49,000 and 75,000 casualties. This research comes from an independent demographic survey that aimed to ascertain the impact of the conflict on the population, revealing that a staggering 3–4% of Gaza's populace may have died violently during the first 15 months of the conflict, with a significant portion of casualties being women, children, and the elderly. Moreover, the study also highlights the substantial number of non-violent deaths attributed indirectly to the war.

This research is notably the first independent demographic study focusing on mortality in Gaza, incorporating a week-long survey conducted among 2,000 Palestinian households at the end of 2024. The findings not only shed light on the true extent of the humanitarian crisis but also serve to amplify the ongoing debate concerning the accuracy of death tolls reported by Hamas' health ministry, which has often been challenged. The United Nations and various human rights groups have previously raised concerns about the reliability of casualty figures provided by the Gazan health authorities, underlining the importance of having credible data to assess the situation accurately.

As international scrutiny continues regarding the humanitarian impact of the Gaza conflict, this independent study draws attention to the critical need for transparency and accuracy in reporting casualty figures. The implications of these findings could potentially influence humanitarian aid responses, political discourse, and international interventions in the ongoing crisis, as accurate understanding is crucial for addressing the needs of the affected population and fostering potential resolutions for peace.