Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
18 September 2025 | 15:14 CAT

📸Beyond the Headlines: 680,000 Lives Lost in Gaza

A new study co-authored by Dr Gideon Polya and Dr Richard Hill has painted a grim picture of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, estimating that nearly 680,000 Palestinians may have died by April 2025. The deaths are attributed not only to bombs and direct violence but also to widespread starvation, disease, and the collapse of essential health services. The findings suggest Gaza’s suffering is far worse than official figures reported by Western governments and mainstream media.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Dr Polya explained the methodology behind the estimate. “A large international group of expert epidemiologists published a paper in The Lancet last year, estimating 64,260 violent deaths in Gaza by 30 June 2024,” he said. “Assuming the same violent death rate, by 25 April 2025, this rises to 136,000 violent deaths. This figure has already been acknowledged by some media outlets as higher than previously reported.”

Yet, the study reveals that deaths caused by deprivation far exceed violent deaths. “In wars, occupations, and blockades, deaths from imposed deprivation caused by lack of food, water, electricity, sanitation, medicines, and medical care are about four times the violent deaths,” Dr Polya said. “Multiply four by 136,000 and you arrive at 544,000 deaths from deprivation. Adding the 136,000 violent deaths brings the total to 680,000.”

The report also highlights the devastating impact on children. “In impoverished regions, deaths of children under five account for about 70% of deprivation-related deaths,” Dr Polya noted. “In Gaza, this means around 380,000 infants have died, many due to extreme vulnerability to malnutrition, disease, and lack of basic healthcare.”

Further demographic analysis suggests that of the 680,000 deaths, approximately 490,000 are children (mostly infants), 63,000 are women, and 138,000 are men. Dr Polya emphasised the stark contrast between these findings and official media reports, which cite much lower figures. “The true scale of the crisis is being underreported. We must ask whether to rely on peer-reviewed scientific research or politically influenced media narratives,” he said.

The study paints a dire picture of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, calling for urgent international attention and intervention. Dr Polya concluded: “What would that number look like now, following recent escalations? May Allah have mercy on the victims.”

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Dr Gideon Polya.