Fact Check: Are 70% of casualties in gaza women and children as of March 2025?

Are 70% of Casualties in Gaza Women and Children as of March 2025?

Introduction

The claim that approximately 70% of casualties in Gaza are women and children has been reported by various sources, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict that escalated significantly in late 2023. This statistic has been attributed to reports from the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. However, the accuracy and context of this claim warrant careful examination.

What We Know

1. UN Reports: The UN Human Rights Office has stated that nearly 70% of the fatalities it verified in the Gaza conflict were women and children. Specifically, a report indicated 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 123.

2. Casualty Statistics: A broader context provided by various reports indicates that the total number of casualties in Gaza has been significant, with estimates suggesting that over 10,000 women have died due to the conflict, alongside a dramatic increase in the number of widows and displaced individuals 610.

3. Methodology: The UN's casualty figures are derived from verified reports, although the methodology for how these figures are compiled and verified has not been detailed in the sources. This raises questions about the completeness and accuracy of the data, especially in a conflict zone where access to reliable information can be severely restricted.

4. Additional Context: Reports have highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with a significant portion of the population being women and children. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, leading to increased casualties among these groups 59.

Analysis

The claim that 70% of casualties in Gaza are women and children is supported by multiple reports from reputable sources, primarily the United Nations. However, the reliability of these figures can be influenced by several factors:

1. Source Credibility: The UN is generally considered a credible source for humanitarian statistics, but its reports can be subject to bias based on the political context of the conflict. The UN has faced criticism from various parties for its perceived partiality, which may affect how its data is interpreted 127.

2. Potential Bias: Some sources, such as advocacy organizations, may have a vested interest in portraying the humanitarian impact of the conflict in a particular light. For instance, reports from organizations focused on human rights may emphasize the suffering of women and children to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis, which could lead to inflated casualty figures 6.

3. Methodological Concerns: The lack of detailed methodology in the reports raises questions about how casualties are counted and verified. In conflict zones, the chaos and destruction can lead to underreporting or overreporting of casualties, and the reliance on local sources can introduce bias 48.

4. Contradicting Evidence: While the majority of reports support the claim, it is essential to recognize that not all sources agree on the specifics of the casualty figures. Some reports may provide different statistics or emphasize different aspects of the conflict, which could lead to confusion regarding the overall impact on women and children 9.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that approximately 70% of casualties in Gaza are women and children is supported by credible reports, particularly from the United Nations, which indicate that a significant proportion of the fatalities are indeed women and children. Specifically, the UN reported that 44% of the victims were children and 26% were women, leading to the assertion that nearly 70% of casualties fall within these demographics.

However, the accuracy of this statistic is tempered by several factors. The methodology used to compile these figures has not been fully disclosed, raising concerns about potential biases and the completeness of the data. Additionally, while the UN is a reputable source, its reports can be influenced by the political context of the conflict, and some advocacy organizations may present figures that emphasize humanitarian suffering in a way that could lead to inflated statistics.

Given these nuances and the limitations in the available evidence, it is crucial for readers to approach such claims with a critical mindset. The situation in conflict zones is fluid and complex, and casualty figures can vary based on the sources and methodologies used. Therefore, readers are encouraged to evaluate information critically and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to humanitarian crises.

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. Nearly 70 percent of deaths in Gaza are women and children: UN - Al Jazeera. Link
4. PDF Reported Impact Snapshot | Gaza Strip Lebanon. Link
5. Two Thirds of Gaza War Dead Are Women and Children, Briefers Say - UN Press. Link
6. Women in Gaza: Report reveals shocking figures under genocide ... - PAHRW. Link
7. UN count of Gaza war finds 70% of known victims are women, children - CBC. Link
8. Around 70% of deaths in Gaza are women and children, ... - CNN. Link
9. Close to 70 percent of Gaza war fatalities children, women - The Hill. Link
10. On International Women's Day, women of Gaza Strip carry deep wounds and ... - Palinfo. Link