Gaza war among bloodiest of 21st century, says Israeli media report

The ongoing war in Gaza, which erupted on Oct. 7 last year, is one of the “bloodiest” conflicts of the 21st century, according to a recent investigation by Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

The report highlights the war, which has claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives, has seen widespread devastation, with many casualties occurring in areas once designated as “safe” by the Israeli military.

Netanyahu oversees the deadliest war while criticizing others

• Netanyahu’s hypocrisy: The report critiques Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accusing the international community of hypocrisy regarding the Gaza conflict, while allegedly ignoring other humanitarian crises.

Where was South Africa when millions were killed or expelled from their homes in Syria and Yemen?

Benjamin Netanyahu

• Staggering death toll: However, a deeper examination of the Gaza war reveals that it is among the deadliest conflicts of the century, particularly when considering the mortality rate relative to the population. Approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began on October 7 last year, representing around 2% of Gaza’s population of 2 million.
• ‘Safe‘ zones under attack: Despite Israeli military claims of designating safe zones, many displaced Palestinians who fled to these areas were killed. The report highlights the repeated targeting of these zones by Israeli forces, leading to hundreds of deaths, including women and children.

Verified casualty figures in Gaza

International organizations and media outlets have consistently verified the casualty figures provided by Gaza’s Ministry of Health. As of Wednesday, the ministry reported:

• Nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths.
• Over 92,000 injuries.
• More than 10,000 people missing under the rubble.
• 115 infants have died since the start of the war.
• 37 Palestinians, including children, have died from hunger and malnutrition.
• Gaza’s Civil Defense announced the deaths of two more rescue workers in Rafah on Wednesday, bringing the total number of first responders killed since October 7 to 82.

Gaza war vs other wars

Haaretz draws parallels with other major conflicts, noting that Gaza’s death rate, at 4,000 per month, far exceeds that of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.

• Rohingya genocide in Myanmar: Approximately 25,000 people were killed according to the United Nations.
• Former Yugoslavia wars (1990s): In Bosnia, the worst year of conflict saw an average of 2,097 deaths per month, totaling 63,000 over four years.

Expert analysis: Michael Spagat, a conflict casualty expert, notes that while the overall death toll in Gaza may not place it among the deadliest conflicts by absolute numbers, the proportion of the population killed is exceptionally high, likely placing it among the top 5 most lethal conflicts of the 21st century.

Zoom in: Survivors live in hell, not Gaza

• No safe place: One of the most striking aspects of the Gaza war, according to Haaretz, is the lack of safe refuge for civilians in the densely populated, 360-square-kilometer area. The war has left little to no escape for non-combatants, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
• “Humanitarian” zones: Living conditions for displaced civilians in so-called “humanitarian” zones are dire with overcrowding and disease rampant, and severe lack of basic necessities such as shelter and medical supplies, doubled with widespread starvation and malnutrition, particularly among children.
• Ghost city: Due to the attacks, 121 schools in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, while 333 schools have been damaged. The number of mosques destroyed is 610, with 214 others damaged. 150,000 homes have been destroyed, and 280,000 homes have sustained serious damage. Israel has targeted 162 health centers and hospitals, as well as 131 ambulances in the Gaza Strip.

‘Genocide’ in Gaza: International condemnation

The ongoing conflict, which began with an attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas on October 7 last year, has left Gaza in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza raises accusations of genocide against Israel.

• UNSC: Israel’s continued offensive in Gaza has faced international condemnation, particularly as it defies a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.
• ICJ: The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and ordered a halt to its military operations in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge before the city was invaded on May 6.

What’s more: Dr Pascal Andre, who returned to France after working in Gaza, said that he treated the wounded at the European Hospital in Khan Younis between Feb. 8 and Feb. 22.

As health care professionals, we witnessed genocidal intent.

Pascal Andre