Survey monitors deaths since the beginning of the conflict and indicates a predominance of civilians among the victims
Around 70% of those killed in Gaza are women and children, revealed by the OHCHR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights) this Friday (8.Nov.2024). The document analyzes deaths recorded since the start of the Israeli offensive, in October 2023.
The OHCHR verifies deaths based on 3 independent sources and confirms 8,119 victims. The number is lower than the 43,000 deaths reported by Palestinian health authorities over the past 13 months. The UN analysis of the age and gender of the victims corroborates Palestinian information that the majority of those killed are civilians.
The OHCHR for the Occupied Palestinian Territory states that data indicates “a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction and proportionality”.
The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) states that it seeks to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza. According to the IDF, the number of civilian deaths reflects the tactics of Hamas, which uses civilians and civilian infrastructure as a human shield. Hamas denies the accusation.
Ajith Sunghay, head of the OHCHR for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, says the report rigorously verified the deaths. “The deaths were confirmed by 3 separate sources, including neighbors, family members, local non-governmental organizations, hospital records, or UN officials on the scene,” states.
