Life expectancy in Gaza cut nearly in half since Oct. 7, study shows

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Jan 2025 19:50
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International organizations have repeatedly warned that "Israel's" military campaign has led to catastrophic living conditions for Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

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A Palestinian family sits outside a tent next to their destroyed house in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 (AP)

A new study published in The Lancet reveals a drastic decline in life expectancy in Gaza between October 2023 and September 2024 due to the ongoing war. The research attributes this sharp drop to the devastating humanitarian crisis and unprecedented loss of life caused by "Israel's" genocidal war.

According to the findings, life expectancy in Gaza has fallen by an average of 34.9 years in the first year of the war, with men experiencing a steeper decline than women. The study indicates that this reduction amounts to nearly half of pre-war levels and signals a humanitarian disaster on an unprecedented scale.

Life Expectancy Plummets for Men and Women

The researchers compared official mortality data from Gaza's Ministry of Health with records from UNRWA's refugee registry, analyzing changes in death rates relative to the 2017 Palestinian census. Their findings confirm previous reports from Gaza's health authorities, reinforcing concerns over the war's long-term demographic impact.

Before the war, the average life expectancy for men in Gaza was 73.6 years. As of September 2024, it has dropped to just 35.6 years—a 51.6% decline.

For women, life expectancy fell from 77.5 years to 47.5 years, marking a 38.6% decline.

The study's findings expose the war's toll on Gaza's population. The scale of the losses and destruction has erased decades of progress in public health and life expectancy, pushing the region into an irreversible humanitarian crisis.

Unprecedented Humanitarian Collapse

International organizations have repeatedly warned that "Israel's" military campaign has led to catastrophic living conditions for Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

With Gaza's healthcare system near total collapse and tens of thousands of martyrs reported, researchers warn that further declines in life expectancy are likely if the war continues.

Humanitarian groups stress that urgent international intervention is needed to halt the crisis, lift the siege, and prevent further mass civilian deaths.

On Tuesday, UNRWA's chief, Philippe Lazzarini, warned that halting the agency's activities could destabilize the fragile Gaza ceasefire and severely hamper efforts to rebuild the devastated Strip.

"In two days, our operations in the occupied Palestinian territory will be crippled, as legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset takes effect," he said. "At stake is the fate of millions of Palestinians, the ceasefire, and the prospects for a political solution that brings lasting peace and security."