The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics has reported a significant decline in the population of Gaza, estimating a decrease of around 160,000 people. This decline includes over 55,000 presumed dead and 100,000 individuals who have left Gaza since the beginning of Israel’s war on the enclave. The PCBS attributes this population decline to the ongoing conflict and the devastating impact it has had on the residents of Gaza.
Israel’s air and ground offensive has taken a heavy toll on Gaza’s population, with over 45,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The PCBS notes that more than 55,000 individuals are presumed dead, and 11,000 people remain missing. In addition, approximately 100,000 Palestinians have left Gaza since October 7, 2023. This has led to a total population decline of around 160,000 people, leaving an estimated 2.1 million individuals in Gaza as of July 2024.
Despite the staggering losses, the PCBS emphasizes that Israel’s aggressive actions against Gaza continue, causing catastrophic human and material damage. Human rights organizations have accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, citing the high number of casualties and the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure. Israel, however, denies these allegations, stating that its operations are aimed at combating Hamas militants and not the civilian population of Gaza.
Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza, specifically through the systematic restriction and targeting of Gaza’s water supply. The group alleges that Israeli authorities have deliberately cut off the flow of water and electricity to Gaza, leading to deaths from malnutrition, dehydration, and illness. These actions, according to HRW, constitute a widespread or systematic attack against the civilian population, amounting to a crime against humanity.
The International Court of Justice ruled in January that Israel must prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians, shining a spotlight on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The UN’s top court, based in The Hague, has called for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in the conflict. Human rights organizations continue to demand justice for the victims of the war in Gaza and urge the international community to take action to end the violence and suffering in the region.
As the conflict in Gaza persists, the world watches in horror as the civilian population bears the brunt of the violence. The accusations of genocide and war crimes add fuel to the already volatile situation, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The people of Gaza continue to suffer as the international community grapples with how best to address the atrocities being committed in the region. It is crucial that all parties involved prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a sustainable and just peace in Gaza.
