Fact Check: "8,540 non-violent deaths linked to the Gaza war."
What We Know
Recent research has provided new estimates regarding the death toll in Gaza as a result of the ongoing conflict. According to a comprehensive study published on the preprint server medRxiv, which has not yet undergone peer review, approximately 8,540 individuals died from non-violent causes related to the war between October 2023 and January 2025. These non-violent deaths were attributed to factors such as starvation, disease, and the collapse of healthcare systems amidst the conflict (Nature, Middle East Monitor).
The study, which involved a large-scale household survey conducted by an international team, estimates that the total death toll in Gaza during this period reached 84,000, with a significant portion of these deaths being classified as violent. The researchers conducted interviews with a representative sample of households across Gaza, despite the challenges posed by ongoing violence and displacement (Middle East Monitor).
Analysis
The claim that 8,540 non-violent deaths occurred as a result of the Gaza war is supported by the findings of the aforementioned study, which is described as the most comprehensive and scientifically grounded assessment of war-related deaths in the region to date. The researchers employed a rigorous methodology, including random sampling of households and face-to-face interviews, to gather data on the fate of individuals since the onset of the conflict (Nature, Middle East Monitor).
However, it is important to note that the study has not yet been peer-reviewed, which raises questions about the robustness of its findings. Peer review is a critical process that helps validate research methods and conclusions, and the lack of this step may lead to uncertainties regarding the accuracy of the reported figures. Nonetheless, the study's methodology and the involvement of reputable researchers lend it a degree of credibility.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has been the primary source of mortality data in Gaza, but its figures have faced scrutiny regarding their reliability, particularly as the conflict has escalated and healthcare infrastructure has been compromised (Nature). The independent survey's estimates, which align closely with other research findings, suggest that the ministry's counts may not fully capture the extent of the humanitarian crisis (Middle East Monitor).
Conclusion
The claim that 8,540 non-violent deaths are linked to the Gaza war is True based on the findings of a recent independent survey. This figure is part of a larger estimate of 84,000 total deaths, which includes both violent and non-violent causes. While the study has not yet undergone peer review, its methodology and the credibility of the researchers involved provide a strong basis for the reported numbers. The ongoing conflict's impact on healthcare and living conditions in Gaza further underscores the seriousness of the humanitarian crisis.
