Fact Check: Are 70% of casualties in gaza women and children?

Are 70% of Casualties in Gaza Women and Children?

Introduction

The claim that nearly 70% of casualties in Gaza are women and children has been widely circulated, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This assertion primarily stems from reports by various news outlets and organizations, including the United Nations. The figures suggest a significant demographic impact of the conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. However, the accuracy and context of these statistics warrant careful examination.

What We Know

1. UN Reports: The United Nations Human Rights Office reported that nearly 70% of the verified fatalities in Gaza were women and children, with specific figures indicating that 44% of the victims were children and 26% were women, based on data from November 2023 to April 2024, which included 8,119 verified deaths 1268.

2. AP Analysis: An analysis by the Associated Press suggests that the proportion of women and children killed has decreased over time, indicating a complex and changing casualty landscape 3. This analysis raises questions about the consistency of casualty demographics throughout the conflict.

3. Additional Context: According to a report by UN Women, the crisis has disproportionately affected women and children, but the exact percentage of casualties attributed to these groups can vary depending on the timeframe and methodology used in different reports 5.

4. Casualty Figures: As of early March 2025, reports indicate that over 50,000 people have been killed in the Gaza war, with a significant portion being Palestinian 4. However, the breakdown of these figures into specific demographics is often contested and varies by source.

Analysis

The claim that 70% of casualties in Gaza are women and children is supported by several reputable sources, notably the UN. However, the reliability of these statistics can be influenced by several factors:

• Source Credibility: The UN is generally considered a credible source, but its reports can be subject to political influences and may reflect the biases of the reporting agencies. For instance, the UN's Human Rights Office has a mandate to report on human rights violations, which may shape the framing of casualty statistics 26.

• Methodology: The methodology used to verify casualties is crucial. The UN's report claims to have verified deaths through at least three independent sources, which adds a layer of reliability 8. However, the details of these verification processes are not always transparent, and further information on how these numbers were compiled would enhance understanding.

• Conflicting Data: The Associated Press's analysis suggests a decline in the proportion of women and children among casualties, which contradicts the UN's findings. This discrepancy highlights the need for careful consideration of how data is interpreted and reported 3.

• Potential Bias: Media outlets reporting on these statistics may have their own biases, which can affect how the information is presented. For example, outlets like Al Jazeera and Reuters may emphasize humanitarian aspects, while others may focus on military or political narratives.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that nearly 70% of casualties in Gaza are women and children is partially true, as it is supported by credible sources such as the United Nations, which reported that 70% of verified fatalities included 44% children and 26% women. However, the context and methodology behind these figures introduce complexities that warrant caution. The Associated Press has indicated a decrease in the proportion of women and children among casualties over time, suggesting that the demographic impact may not be static and can vary based on the timeframe and specific circumstances of the conflict.

It is important to recognize that while the UN's data provides a significant insight into the casualties, the potential for bias in reporting and the varying methodologies used by different organizations can affect the interpretation of these statistics. The discrepancies between sources highlight the need for critical evaluation of casualty figures and the context in which they are presented.

Readers should remain aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the potential for differing interpretations. As such, it is advisable to approach such claims with a critical mindset and consider multiple sources before drawing conclusions.

Sources

1. Nearly 70% of Gaza war dead women and children - UN - BBC. Link
2. Gaza women, children are nearly 70% of verified war dead - Reuters. Link
3. Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's women, children are killed less frequently as ... - AP News. Link
4. Casualties of the Gaza war - Wikipedia. Link
5. PDF Gender Alert: The Gendered Impact of the Crisis in Gaza - UN Women. Link
6. Nearly 70 percent of deaths in Gaza are women and children: UN - Al Jazeera. Link
7. Two Thirds of Gaza War Dead Are Women and Children, Briefers Say - UN Press Release. Link
8. Nearly 70% of verified deaths in Gaza are women and children - Axios. Link
9. PDF Gaza casualties info-graphic 5 Dec 2023 final - United Nations Office. Link
10. Majority of Palestinians Killed in Gaza War Are Women and Children - Latin Times. Link