A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health reports that over 75,000 Palestinians lost their lives in the first 15 months of the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, a figure that surpasses the previously reported 49,000 fatalities by health authorities. The research indicates that women, children, and the elderly accounted for approximately 56.2% of these deaths, aligning closely with official health department accounts. This study represents the first independent demographic survey concerning fatalities in Gaza and involved a fieldwork study of 2,000 Palestinian families over a week starting December 30, 2024.

Conducted by a team of British and Palestinian researchers, led by Michael Spagat from University College London, the study was supported by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. The researchers emphasize that the evidence collectively points to a significant underreporting of deaths, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like women and children, who have suffered disproportionately during the conflict. They assert that this higher casualty estimation underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and calls into question the accuracy of previous health statistics provided during this period of military conflict.

With 2025 just beginning, this finding raises critical questions about the international community's response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. It highlights the necessity for transparency in reporting war casualties and raises awareness about the importance of independent studies in revealing the true impact of conflict on civilian populations. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the implications of such research could potentially influence policy decisions and international support for the affected regions.