Fact Check: "The Gaza Strip has a population of approximately 2 million people."
What We Know
The population of the Gaza Strip is a frequently discussed topic, particularly in light of ongoing humanitarian issues and geopolitical tensions. According to the World Factbook, the Gaza Strip is home to approximately 2.1 million people as of the end of 2024. This figure reflects a decline of about 6% from the previous year, attributed to the impacts of the ongoing Gaza war, which has led to significant casualties and displacement.
Further corroboration comes from a Wikipedia entry that also estimates the population at 2.1 million, noting that this number represents a demographic shift due to the war. Additionally, a report from Al Jazeera confirms that the population has fallen to approximately 2.1 million, indicating a loss of around 160,000 people since the onset of the conflict.
Analysis
The claim that the Gaza Strip has a population of approximately 2 million people is supported by multiple reliable sources. The World Factbook is a reputable source published by the CIA, providing updated demographic data. Wikipedia, while user-generated, cites credible sources and is widely used as a reference point for general knowledge, making its population estimate credible as well.
The decline in population reported by various sources, including WHO and Gisha, highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by conflict and blockades. These reports indicate that the population figure is not static and is subject to change due to external factors such as war and migration.
While some sources may have varying estimates, the consensus among the most credible ones places the population of Gaza at around 2.1 million, which aligns closely with the claim of "approximately 2 million." The slight discrepancy can be attributed to the timing of the estimates and the ongoing nature of the conflict.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The Gaza Strip has a population of approximately 2 million people" is accurate, as it is supported by multiple credible sources that estimate the population to be around 2.1 million. This figure reflects the current demographic situation in Gaza, which is influenced by ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
Sources
- Gaza Strip - The World Factbook
- Gaza Strip - Wikipedia
- People in Gaza starving, sick and dying as aid blockade continues - WHO
- Gaza Population 2025 - World Population Review
- Gaza Strip - Statistics & Facts | Statista
- Gaza population falls 6 percent since start of war, statistics agency - Al Jazeera
- Gaza Now: May 29, 2025 - Gisha