A recent study from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has revealed significant underreporting of the death toll in Gaza. The research found that the Palestinian health ministry's figures fall short by approximately 41%, suggesting the actual number of Gazans killed by violence exceeds 70,000 as of October 2024. This alarming revelation adds to the grim humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where the population is facing unprecedented challenges due to ongoing conflict and displacement.
The United Nations reported in November that the relentless attacks by Israel have pushed the Palestinian population to the brink of total collapse. The dire situation is further exacerbated by widespread displacement, with the UN noting that around 1.9 million Palestinians, or about 90% of the population, are internally displaced. The massive displacement is a result of evacuation orders affecting 67% of Gaza throughout the war, as documented by the Institute for the Study of War.
In October, UNICEF estimated the camp’s population at approximately 730,000, underscoring the dense living conditions and the pressing need for relief. However, humanitarian aid has been severely restricted as many entry points into Gaza have been closed by Israeli authorities during the conflict. This blockade has left most of Gaza reliant on external aid, with only 2,205 aid trucks entering Gaza in December, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Israel's military operations have left a devastating impact on Gaza's infrastructure and agriculture. Up to 96% of agricultural assets, including farms and orchards, have been damaged or destroyed according to the World Bank. Prior to the war, the UN had noted that Gaza was largely self-sufficient in fresh produce. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it "does not intentionally harm agricultural land and seeks to mitigate environmental impact absent operational necessity."
The destruction extends beyond agriculture. Approximately 436,000 housing units across Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, leaving countless families without shelter. The health care system is also crumbling; only half of Gaza’s hospitals remain partially operational and are entirely dependent on aid and fuel deliveries to function. The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 654 attacks on health care facilities in Gaza, resulting in 886 fatalities and 1,349 injuries.
"Pushed the health care system to the brink of total collapse," reported the United Nations.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by a lack of accountability for those unaccounted for amidst the chaos. Over 11,000 people remain missing or potentially trapped beneath rubble, according to estimates from the Palestinian health ministry. The situation continues to deteriorate as basic needs remain unmet for much of the population.
The UN has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities and increased humanitarian access to support those in need. As it stands, most of Gaza’s inhabitants rely on dwindling aid supplies to survive. The international community has expressed concern over the ongoing humanitarian disaster, urging both parties to cease conflict and prioritize humanitarian relief efforts.
Israel’s bombardment since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 has left a lasting mark on Gaza’s landscape and its people. The UN Environment Programme has also raised alarms over potential long-term environmental impacts due to the extensive damage inflicted during military operations.
