Lancet: Gaza Death Toll Towers to 186,000

The Lancet, British medical journal, estimates the number of those killed in Gaza could be as high as 186,000 people.

In a groundbreaking study titled “Counting the dead in Gaza: difficult but essential” the journal uses different tools of assessments to count the number of those that has been killed in the war on Gaza and says these are “conservatively” be estimated at 186,000 taken into account the number of those who die from disease, destroyed health care infrastructure and the sever shortage of food, water and shelter.

This is breaking news that is being covered in social media with many commenting on this latest figure.

British MP Zarah Sultana says the Lancet is the most respected journal in the world, emphasizing the number of those killed as the journal points out is a “conservative estimation,” while calling on the UK government to halt all arm sales to Israel.

Another says the figure represents 8 percent of the population of Gaza and that “this is a systematic effort to exterminate the Palestinian people, armed and funded, and led by the US.”

Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta, who worked in Al Shifa during the early onslaught of the Israeli army on the hospital says these are “apocalyptic figures” whilst providing a link to the article that is well argued with different point of views.

Whilst another said “but God forbid, we utter the word ‘genocide’”  pointing to the fact the 186,000 killed figure is in 270 days of Israeli slaughter. Yet another says this is figure “is not being broadcast on Western media channels,” with the implication that this latest figure is being hidden away from the public.

Former UK MP Claudia Webbe says don’t forget the 10,000 Palestinians that are still under the rubble, adding what we need is “ceasefire now. End arms sale to Israel. End the occupation. Free Palestine.”

Canadian MP Charlie Angus says this is Israel murder and a “staggering “ number” and “it is genocide. A crime against humanity” and “the EU, the US, Canada and the UK are complicit in these war crimes,” warning that “history is watching.”

The Lancet does point to the figures counted by the Ministry of Health in Gaza, saying contrary to the fact they are being contested by the Israeli authorities, they are being accepted as accurate by the Israeli Intelligence services, the UN and World Health Organization.

The current number of documented deaths as per the Gaza Ministry of Health figures has risen to 38,193 and 87,903 injured.

CrossFireArabia

CrossFireArabia

Dr. Marwan Asmar holds a PhD from Leeds University and is a freelance writer specializing on the Middle East. He has worked as a journalist since the early 1990s in Jordan and the Gulf countries, and been widely published, including at Albawaba, Gulf News, Al Ghad, World Press Review and others.

Related Posts

Iraq Announces November Elections

Iraq is going to the polls. In a meeting of the Iraqi Council of Ministers, it set the time table for the country’s parliamentary elections for this coming 11 November 2025.

The announcement is trending on the social media with different images  and with the High Independent Electoral Commission in the country stating the IHEC is ready to hold the general elections on schedule.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s office said in a statement on Wednesday that “the cabinet voted to set November 11, 2025, as the date for holding the legislative elections.”

The last parliamentary elections was held on 10 October, 2021.

Continue reading
Guterres: ‘…Time to End the Gaza Dehumanization’

With no aid allowed into Gaza for more than a month, the UN Secretary-General appealed on Tuesday for guaranteed humanitarian access to the enclave. 

Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters, António Guterres also repeated his call for a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and the release of all hostages still being held inside the shattered enclave.

No food, fuel, medicine and commercial items have entered Gaza since 2 March following the Israeli blockade, and supplies are piling up at crossing points.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire announced in January following 15 months of war has collapsed, amid airstrikes, renewed ground operations and rocket launches into Israel by Palestinian militants. 

‘An endless death loop’

“As aid has dried up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened,” Mr. Guterres said.

Gaza is a killing field – and civilians are in an endless death loop.”

He noted that “certain truths are clear since the atrocious October 7 attacks by Hamas,” chiefly that ceasefires work.

The truce allowed for the release of hostages, as well as the distribution of lifesaving aid, and proved that the humanitarian community can deliver.

Shattered hope

He recalled that “for weeks, guns fell silent, obstacles were removed, looting ended – and we were able to deliver lifesaving supplies to virtually every part of the Gaza Strip,” which ended with the “shattering” of the deal.  

Hope sank for Palestinian families in Gaza and families of hostages in Israel – as I was reminded when I met again with hostage families yesterday,” he added.

For this reason, the Secretary-General has consistently been pushing for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and full humanitarian access to the territory.

“In times like this, we must be crystal clear,” he said, noting that with crossing points shut and aid blockaded, there is no effective security and the ability to deliver assistance has been strangled.

He also cited a joint statement by UN humanitarian chiefs, issued on Monday, which refuted assertions that there is enough food in Gaza to feed everyone there.  

International obligations 

“We must also be clear about the obligations,” Mr. Guterres continued, emphasizing the “unequivocal obligations” of Israel, as the occupying power, in line with international law.

He pointed to the Fourth Geneva Convention, which outlines the duty to ensure food and medical supplies for the population, as well as ensuring and maintaining medical and hospital establishments and services, public health and hygiene.

Additionally, medical personnel shall be allowed to carry out their duties.

“And Article 59, paragraph 1, of the Fourth Geneva Convention provides that ‘if the whole or part of the population of an occupied territory is inadequately supplied, the Occupying Power shall agree to relief schemes on behalf of the said population, and shall facilitate them by all means at its disposal,’” he quoted.

International humanitarian law also includes the obligation to respect humanitarian relief personnel, he added, paying tribute to the “humanitarian heroes” under fire in Gaza. 

Against new ‘authorization mechanisms’ 

While UN agencies and partners stand ready and determined to deliver, “the Israeli authorities newly proposed ‘authorization mechanisms’ for aid delivery risk further controlling and callously limiting aid down to the last calorie and grain of flour,” the Secretary-General said. 

“Let me be clear: We will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.”  

Mr. Guterres said unimpeded humanitarian access must be guaranteed, and humanitarian personnel must be given protection, in line with international law.  

He stressed that “the inviolability of United Nations premises and assets must be respected,” and again called for an independent investigation into the killing of humanitarians, including UN personnel.

Dead end ahead 

The Secretary-General concluded the briefing by underlining the need to stick to core principles. He urged UN Member States to adhere to their obligations, adding that there must be justice and accountability when they do not

The world may be running out of words to describe the situation in Gaza, but we will never run away from the truth,” he said. 

He warned that “the current path is a dead end – totally intolerable in the eyes of international law and history,” while the risk of the occupied West Bank transforming into another Gaza makes the situation even worse.

“It is time to end the dehumanization, protect civilians, release the hostages, ensure lifesaving aid, and renew the ceasefire,” he said.

UN News

Continue reading

You Missed

Iraq Announces November Elections

Iraq Announces November Elections

Guterres: ‘…Time to End the Gaza Dehumanization’

Guterres: ‘…Time to End the Gaza Dehumanization’

Middle East Psychosis

Middle East Psychosis

Gaza Under The Rubble

Gaza Under The Rubble