Daily death rate in Gaza higher than any other major conflict in the 21st century

The Israeli military is killing an average of 250 Palestinians a day, massively exceeding the daily death toll in any other major conflict in recent years, Oxfam said today, as the escalation of hostilities approaches its 100th day.

In addition, over 1,200 people were killed in the horrific attacks by Hamas and other armed groups in Israel on October 7 and 330 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since then.

"The scale and atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza are truly shocking. For 100 days, the people of Gaza have endured hell. Nowhere is safe and the entire population is at risk of starvation. It is inconceivable that the international community is watching the deadliest conflict of the 21st century unfold, while blocking calls for a ceasefire."

Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam's Middle East Director

Using public data, Oxfam calculates that the number of average deaths per day for Gaza is significantly higher than any of the recent major armed conflicts, including Syria (96.5 deaths per day), Sudan (51.6), Iraq (50.8), Ukraine (43.9) Afghanistan (23.8) and Yemen (15.8).

Oxfam warns that people are increasingly being forced into smaller areas due to constant bombing, as they are forced to flee from places they have previously been told are safe, but nowhere in Gaza is really safe. Over a million people - more than half the population - have been forced to seek shelter in Rafah on the Egyptian border. Oxfam staff in Rafah report massive overcrowding, with very little food and water, and essential medicines running out. This crisis is further exacerbated by Israel blocking the flow of aid. Currently, only 10% of the weekly food aid needed is coming in.

Oxfam also warns of the massive threat to life - beyond military casualties - from hunger and disease. Cold and wet weather makes the situation even more critical, with shortages of blankets, fuel for heating devices and hot water. One of Oxfam's partner organizations, the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC), describes the situation for those living in tents as "worse than anything you can imagine", with makeshift shelters letting in rain, being blown away by the wind, and with people resorting to desperate measures such as selling precious food or water to get a blanket.

"The rain fell from all sides of the tent. We had to sleep lying over the bag of flour to protect it from the rain. My wife and three of my daughters use a blanket at night. There are only enough blankets for four people to share. We have nothing."

Mutaz, an engineer displaced to Al-Mawasi with his family

Earlier this week, a camp in Jabaliya was flooded with sewage when pipelines and a pumping station were damaged by Israeli airstrikes. The lack of clean drinking water and proper sanitation poses a huge risk to health. The known cases of diarrhea are 40 times higher than this time last year, although the actual number of cases is likely to be much higher.

"While the mass atrocities continue, lives continue to be lost and critical supplies cannot get in. Israel's total blockade of the Gaza Strip limits life-saving assistance, including food, medical supplies, and water and sanitation facilities. In addition to the already terrible death toll, many more people could die from hunger, preventable diseases, diarrhea and colds. The situation is particularly worrying for children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The only way to stop the bloodshed and prevent the loss of many more lives is an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and the release of essential supplies."

Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam's Middle East Director

The UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) is holding a hearing today on the legality of Israel's prolonged assault on Gaza, and may issue an emergency order to halt Israel's military assault. Oxfam supports all efforts to investigate and address all mass crimes and human rights violations, regardless of the perpetrator.

See Oxfam international for more information on the calculation of figures.