Fact Check: 60,000+ killed in Gaza

Fact Check: "60,000+ killed in Gaza"

What We Know

The claim that "60,000+ killed in Gaza" refers to the estimated death toll resulting from the ongoing conflict that escalated after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. According to a report from the Costs of War Project, as of early 2025, the total number of deaths in Gaza is projected to exceed 60,000, factoring in both direct and indirect deaths caused by the conflict. This includes deaths from starvation and health-related issues due to the destruction of infrastructure and access to healthcare.

The Gaza Health Ministry has reported approximately 57,000 deaths, primarily among Palestinians, with a significant portion being civilians, including women and children (Wikipedia). A peer-reviewed analysis published in The Lancet estimated that the number of deaths could reach around 64,260 due to traumatic injuries alone, with projections indicating that the total could exceed 70,000 when considering indirect causes of death (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim of "60,000+ killed in Gaza" is supported by multiple credible sources, including academic research and reports from humanitarian organizations. The Costs of War Project provides a comprehensive overview of the human costs associated with the conflict, emphasizing the long-term health impacts that could lead to higher mortality rates than those directly attributed to violence.

However, it is essential to note that the figures reported by the Gaza Health Ministry and other organizations may vary due to the chaotic nature of the conflict and the challenges in data collection. For instance, the BBC has indicated that the actual death toll could be significantly higher than official figures, suggesting potential underreporting. This is corroborated by the Lancet study, which found that the Gaza Health Ministry's count might underestimate trauma-related deaths by 41% and does not account for non-trauma-related deaths resulting from health service disruptions and food insecurity (Wikipedia).

The reliability of the sources is generally high, with academic publications and reports from established organizations lending credibility to the estimates. However, the politicized nature of the conflict can lead to biases in reporting, particularly from sources that may have vested interests in the outcome of the conflict.

Conclusion

The claim that "60,000+ killed in Gaza" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence supporting the estimate that the death toll has reached or exceeded 60,000, it is important to recognize that these figures are subject to revision as more data becomes available and as the situation evolves. The complexity of the conflict and the challenges in accurately reporting casualties contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the exact number of deaths.