Recent revelations in Lancet brings to light shocking estimates regarding true scale of civilian casualties in Gaza
Date
7/24/2024 7:50:26 AM
(MENAFN) Recent revelations in the Lancet have brought to light shocking estimates regarding the true scale of civilian casualties in Gaza since October 2023, far surpassing official figures. According to the Lancet article, the current count of 37,396 Palestinian civilian deaths severely underestimates the actual toll, potentially reaching as high as 186,000 or more. This staggering number represents nearly 7.9 percent of the entire population of Gaza, reflecting the devastating impact of Israeli attacks and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
The discrepancy in reported casualties is attributed to numerous factors, including bodies buried under rubble, individuals missing but unaccounted for among the deceased, and the ongoing threat of indirect deaths from conditions such as starvation, dehydration, and various diseases. Even if hostilities were to cease immediately, the Lancet warns that the toll will continue to mount as a result of long-term health complications exacerbated by the conflict.
Dr. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian physician with extensive experience in Gaza, has highlighted the dire conditions contributing to these indirect deaths. He emphasizes the severe shortages of food, exacerbated by the destruction of agriculture, fisheries, poultry farms, and dairy facilities. Moreover, the lack of clean water has led to widespread dehydration and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases among the population, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Gilbert's assessments paint a grim picture of preventable deaths mounting in Gaza, where half a million Palestinians could be at risk due to these dire circumstances. His observations underscore the urgent need for international attention and humanitarian aid to address the unfolding catastrophe and alleviate the suffering of those caught in one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history.
As the global community grapples with the implications of these revelations, there is growing pressure to reassess the scope of humanitarian assistance required to mitigate the immediate and long-term impacts on Gaza's civilian population. The stark realities highlighted by the Lancet and Dr. Mads Gilbert underscore the urgency of addressing not only the direct consequences of conflict but also the underlying humanitarian emergencies exacerbated by prolonged hostilities and the ongoing blockade affecting Gaza's vulnerable population.
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