Death Toll in Gaza Could Reach 186,000, Lancet Reports
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Lancet medical journal has estimated that the death toll from Israel's genocidal war in the Gaza Strip could be as high as 186,000, accounting for 7.9% of the population.
A report published by The Lancet on Friday stated that this figure includes both direct and indirect deaths from the Israeli onslaught, as well as those still buried under rubble in Gaza.
The journal utilized a conservative estimate of four indirect deaths for each direct death reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
"It is not implausible to estimate that up to 186,000 or even more deaths could be attributable to the current conflict in Gaza," the report noted.
Israel's offensive began on October 7, following a retaliatory operation by the Palestinian resistance groups, which was a response to intensified aggression against Palestinians by Israeli military and the Zionist settlers.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the war has resulted in at least 38,514 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children.
The Lancet suggested that the ministry's figure "is likely an underestimate."
"The total death toll is expected to be large given the intensity of this conflict; destroyed health-care infrastructure; severe shortages of food, water, and shelter; the population’s inability to flee to safe places; and the loss of funding to UNRWA, one of the very few humanitarian organizations still active in the Gaza Strip," the report said.
The Lancet called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with measures to ensure the distribution of medical supplies, food, clean water, and other essential resources for basic human needs.
