A British study published in The Lancet has revealed that the official Palestinian death toll in Gaza could be up to 40% lower than the actual number, due to the collapse of healthcare infrastructure amid the ongoing Israeli assault. The study, which was conducted by experts from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Yale University, and other institutions, applied advanced statistical methods to provide a more accurate estimate of the number of martyrs in Gaza.

The researchers used a methodology known as "capture-recapture analysis," typically employed to estimate populations in wildlife studies, to assess the number of deaths resulting from Israeli bombardments between October 2023 and June 2024. Their analysis suggested that approximately 64,260 people may have died from severe injuries, a figure 41% higher than the official count provided by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Of the estimated martyrs, the study found that 59.1% were women, children, or elderly individuals over the age of 65. However, it did not include estimates for fighters, focusing instead on the civilian casualties. Official figures from Palestinian health officials indicate over 46,000 deaths, though these numbers have been questioned by some American and Israeli officials, who claim they may be inflated or inaccurate.

The study also highlighted the challenges of maintaining accurate records under the strain of ongoing military operations. The Israeli airstrikes, which have targeted hospitals and other healthcare facilities, as well as disruptions to digital communication, have hindered the Health Ministry's ability to track casualties effectively. A significant number of martyrs are believed to remain buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings, further complicating efforts to capture an accurate death toll.

The research team employed a method used in other conflict zones, such as Kosovo and Sudan, to account for the discrepancies in the casualty reports. By cross-referencing data from multiple independent sources, the study aimed to identify overlaps and gaps in the lists of the deceased, allowing for a more reliable estimate of the total number of martyrs in Gaza.

This study provides a stark reminder of the scale of human suffering in Gaza, with the true extent of the destruction still difficult to fully comprehend due to the ongoing blockade and attacks on vital infrastructure.