A joint analysis by Oxfam and Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) released on Tuesday shows a significant surge in civilian deaths in Gaza over the past year, exceeding those of any other war in the last 20 years.

The report reveals that Israeli aggression has resulted in the deaths of more than 6,000 women and 11,000 children, marking a grim milestone in civilian casualties in war zones. The findings highlight the severe impact of Israeli attacks on Gaza, with civilian infrastructure hit by explosive weapons every three hours on average since the beginning of the war.

AOAV's findings highlight the widespread destruction across Gaza, where homes, shelters, schools, hospitals, and vital aid centers have been decimated. The ongoing aggression has left thousands of families mourning the loss of loved ones, while hundreds of thousands are displaced, as even "safe zones" have become targets of military strikes.

Dr. Iain Overton, AOAV’s executive director, condemned the situation as "appalling", criticizing the international community for its inaction in the face of such widespread devastation: “The scale of devastation in Gaza should be a wake-up call. The persistent bombardment of homes, schools, and hospitals with such alarming frequency demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life and international law.”

Violations of humanitarian law

The war has sparked widespread criticism for violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), as civilians are displaced only to have the areas designated for them bombed again. Oxfam's data suggest the true death toll could be much higher. A study in The Lancet estimates that unidentified victims buried under rubble, alongside those dying from starvation and healthcare collapse, could push the toll above 186,000.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, over 25,000 children have lost a parent or been orphaned, many of them also enduring severe injuries and disabilities. Women, bearing the brunt of the war, are now heading households amid widespread devastation, while pregnant and breastfeeding mothers grapple with the challenges of survival in a healthcare system on the brink of collapse.

Dr. Umaiyeh Khammash, the director of Juzoor, an Oxfam partner, emphasized the immense suffering: “The trauma experienced by children—many of whom have lost limbs or are dealing with deep emotional distress—is indescribable.”

Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam’s Middle East and North Africa director urged immediate international action: “The international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable, combined with continued arms supplies, has enabled the atrocities we are witnessing. A permanent ceasefire is urgently needed."

Read more: Maternity in crisis: 1 in 5 pregnant women in Gaza faces malnutrition