Fact Check: "More than 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced due to conflict."
What We Know
The claim that "more than 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced due to conflict" is a significant assertion that requires careful examination. According to the UN, approximately 1.9 million people have been displaced from Gaza's total population of about 2.3 million, which translates to around 83% of the population. This data indicates that while a substantial portion of the population has been displaced, it does not exceed 90%.
Additionally, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported a 6% decline in Gaza's population since the onset of the conflict, equating to about 160,000 people. This figure includes those who have fled the region as well as those who have died due to the ongoing violence. Furthermore, reports from Human Rights Watch indicate that the humanitarian situation is dire, with many people facing acute needs, but again, the figures do not support the claim of over 90% displacement.
Analysis
The claim of over 90% displacement is primarily based on interpretations of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While the UN's estimate of 83% displacement is alarming and reflects the severe impact of the conflict, it does not substantiate the claim of exceeding 90%. The data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics and corroborated by other sources, such as CNN, further supports that while the situation is catastrophic, the actual percentage of displaced individuals is lower than claimed.
The sources cited are generally reliable, with the UN and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics being authoritative in their respective domains. However, the context of the data is crucial. The humanitarian crisis has led to widespread internal displacement, but the figures must be interpreted carefully to avoid exaggeration. The claim of over 90% displacement could stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the statistics, as the situation in Gaza is fluid and complex.
Conclusion
The claim that "more than 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced due to conflict" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the severe humanitarian crisis and the high levels of displacement, the specific figure of over 90% is not supported by the most reliable data available. The UN estimates that 83% of the population has been displaced, which, while still alarming, does not meet the threshold of the claim.
