New study reveals 75,000 killed in Gaza war’s first 15 months

A new independent study by The Lancet Global Health estimates that more than 75,000 Palestinians were killed in the first 15 months of the Israel–Gaza

A new independent study by The Lancet Global Health estimates that more than 75,000 Palestinians were killed in the first 15 months of the Israel–Gaza conflict—far exceeding the 49,000 deaths initially reported by Gaza’s health authorities.

The research found that women, children, and the elderly accounted for 56% of violent deaths. It also estimated 16,300 non-violent fatalities, resulting from disease, accidents, and other causes indirectly linked to the conflict.

The study was conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, led by pollster Khalil Shikaki and Michael Spagat, a professor at Royal Holloway, University of London. Researchers surveyed 2,000 households across Gaza over a seven-day period starting December 30, 2024.

Field teams, mostly experienced female surveyors, interviewed residents directly, asking households to list members killed during the war. The survey did not rely on official health ministry records. Researchers applied weighted statistical analysis to estimate mortality across Gaza.

The study suggests the official health ministry figures, long considered reliable by the United Nations, may have undercounted fatalities by about 40%. Israel has questioned these figures due to Hamas’ control of local authorities, though some military officials have privately described them as broadly accurate.

According to the analysis, 3–4% of Gaza’s population suffered violent deaths during the first 15 months of hostilities. This is in addition to non-violent deaths, highlighting the wider humanitarian impact of the war.

The report underscores the devastating toll on civilians. The authors note that these figures reflect the harsh realities of conflict conditions, and may still underestimate the true impact due to destroyed infrastructure and uncounted victims.

During the initial 2023 Hamas attacks on southern Israel, more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 250 hostages were taken. Hamas has confirmed the deaths of military leaders but rarely disclosed fighter fatalities