Fact Check: "The Gaza Strip has a population of approximately 2.3 million people."
What We Know
The claim that the Gaza Strip has a population of approximately 2.3 million people is supported by several sources. As of January 2025, Gaza is estimated to have a population of around 2.3 million people, with a significant portion being children, as half of the population consists of minors. However, this figure represents a decline of about 6% from the previous year due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region, which has drastically affected living conditions and population stability (source-4).
In contrast, a more recent estimate from the end of 2024 suggests that the population may be closer to 2.1 million, indicating a significant decline attributed to the war and its devastating impacts on the population. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate demographic data in conflict zones, where displacement and casualties can rapidly alter population figures.
Analysis
The claim of a population of approximately 2.3 million is thus partially true. While it reflects a commonly cited figure, it does not account for the recent estimates indicating a decline to 2.1 million. The reliability of the sources varies; for instance, the figure of 2.3 million is reported by Al Jazeera, which is generally regarded as a credible news outlet, especially in matters concerning the Middle East. However, the estimate of 2.1 million from Wikipedia is based on demographic data that can be subject to change, particularly in a volatile region like Gaza.
Moreover, the ongoing conflict has led to significant population displacement, with reports indicating that nearly 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced at some point during the conflict (source-4). This makes it difficult to ascertain a stable population figure, as many residents have fled or are unaccounted for due to the violence and destruction of infrastructure.
The sources used to support the claim also reflect different contexts and timelines, which can lead to varying interpretations of the population size. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations often provide estimates based on broader assessments of the humanitarian situation, which may include projections for future needs rather than current population counts.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Gaza Strip has a population of approximately 2.3 million people" is partially true. While this figure is supported by credible sources, it does not reflect the most recent estimates indicating a population closer to 2.1 million due to the impacts of war and displacement. The situation in Gaza remains fluid, and demographic data can change rapidly in response to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.
