Analysis: The Devastating Impact of Israel’s Bombing Campaign on Gaza’s Population

In recent news, it has been reported that at least 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its bombing campaign in response to Hamas’ attacks on October 7th. The death toll in Gaza is an alarming number and raises questions about the impact of the conflict on the civilian population. It is important to examine the figures and understand the extent of the devastation caused by the bombings.

According to data from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, an average of nearly 300 people have died each day since the start of the conflict, excluding the seven-day ceasefire. These casualty figures are considered to be trustworthy by the World Health Organization’s regional emergency director. However, it is important to note that counting the dead is a challenge in any war zone, and the actual death toll is likely to be significantly higher as it does not include bodies buried under the rubble or those not taken to hospitals.

Experts have noted that the pace of killing in this war has been exceptionally high compared to previous conflicts. Prof Michael Spagat, an expert in examining death tolls, points out that the number of people killed in the current conflict is unprecedented. The indiscriminate nature of the killing has contributed to the high death toll, as Israel has used a wide variety of bombs, some as large as 2000lb. The high population density in Gaza further exacerbates the impact of these bombings.

Israel has defended its military campaign, stating that it takes precautionary measures to avoid damage to the civilian population. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims to issue warnings before strikes whenever possible and says it chooses the right munitions to minimize unnecessary damage. However, reports suggest that unguided bombs have been used, which can deviate from their intended targets and cause civilian casualties. It is important to critically examine these claims and assess the impact of Israel’s actions on the civilian population.

The devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza’s children is particularly concerning. Nearly half of Gaza’s population is under 18, and the war is having a severe impact on their lives. The United Nations’ child agency, UNICEF, has declared Gaza the “most dangerous place in the world to be a child.” Entire neighborhoods where children used to play and go to school have been reduced to rubble, leaving no life in them. The number of injured individuals in the conflict is also significant, with over 52,000 reported injuries, though specific figures for children are not available.

Comparisons with other conflicts highlight the severity of the situation in Gaza. The rate of killing in Gaza far surpasses that of recent conflicts, such as the US-led offensive against ISIS in Raqqa, where fewer than 20 civilians were killed per day on average. Additionally, the Christmas bombings during the Vietnam War resulted in an estimated 1,600 Vietnamese civilian deaths. The death toll in Gaza is significantly higher, and it is crucial to understand the reasons behind this stark difference.

The impact on Gaza’s civilian population, particularly women and children, cannot be understated. It is crucial for independent organizations to investigate the true extent of the damage and assess the accountability of all involved parties. The death toll and the devastation caused by the bombings raise important questions about the laws of war and the responsibility to protect civilians. The international community must address these concerns and take actions to prevent further loss of innocent lives.