Gaza’s Population Drops by 6% Amid Israel-Hamas War

Casualties rise, with over 55,000 presumed dead and 100,000 displaced since October 2023
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) has confirmed that Gaza’s population has decreased by approximately 160,000 people—roughly 6% of its population—since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. The population now stands at 2.1 million, a figure corroborated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This population decline is attributed to both the rising death toll and the mass displacement caused by the conflict. According to the PCBS, more than 55,000 people are presumed dead due to Israel’s military actions, with another 11,000 still missing. Additionally, around 100,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza, escaping to neighboring regions as the violence intensifies.

Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolds Amid Continued Offensive
Gaza faces severe casualties, infrastructure destruction, and ongoing suffering
The ongoing military offensive has resulted in catastrophic human and material losses in Gaza. With over 45,000 Palestinians confirmed dead and many more injured, Gaza’s civilian population has borne the brunt of the Israeli air and ground strikes. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by severe shortages in basic needs such as water, electricity, and medical supplies, following the destruction of essential infrastructure. International organizations, including the UN, have repeatedly warned of the grave toll the conflict has taken on Gaza’s residents, many of whom are now living in dire conditions.

Human Rights Organizations Accuse Israel of Genocide
HRW and Amnesty International allege genocide and crimes against humanity
Several prominent human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, have accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. HRW’s report specifically highlights Israel’s deliberate actions to restrict Gaza’s access to water, which the group describes as part of a broader strategy aimed at inflicting harm on the civilian population. HRW argues that these measures have led to widespread malnutrition, dehydration, and disease, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Amnesty International has similarly condemned Israel’s military tactics, accusing it of committing genocidal acts in Gaza. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has denied these allegations, maintaining that its military operations are focused on Hamas militants and not civilians. The Israeli government also claims that it has made efforts to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza throughout the conflict.

International Legal and Criminal Investigations Into Israel’s Actions
ICJ and ICC pursue legal action over alleged war crimes
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) had ruled in January 2024 that Israel must take steps to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians, but human rights groups argue that these orders have not been fully implemented. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating the involvement of Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in alleged war crimes during the conflict. These investigations are part of a larger international push to hold those responsible for atrocities accountable, although Israel continues to deny all charges of war crimes and genocide.