Title: The number of victims in Gaza: a question of perspective
Introduction :
When it comes to counting the number of victims in conflicts, it is essential to take into account different sources of information. In the case of the situation in Gaza, casualty figures are provided by the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. However, it is important to note that this figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, nor does it detail the cause of death. In this article, we will examine the perspective of the Gaza Ministry of Health and the importance of considering different sources to get a more complete picture of reality.
The number of victims according to the Gaza Ministry of Health:
The Gaza Ministry of Health collects information on victims directly from hospitals in the enclave and the Palestinian Red Crescent. However, it does not provide details on how the Palestinians were killed, whether by Israeli airstrikes and/or barrages or failed Palestinian rocket attacks. All the victims are described as victims of “Israeli aggression”, without distinction between civilians and combatants. This approach can create a biased perception of the situation, obscuring the role of Hamas and Palestinian armed groups.
Validation of figures by other sources:
Despite the limitations of the figure provided by the Gaza Ministry of Health, it is cited in reports from UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Palestinian Red Crescent. These organizations often use these figures to assess the scale of human losses in past conflicts. However, it should be noted that these figures are not always independently verified, and differences may exist with data collected by other sources.
The importance of considering different perspectives:
It is essential to consider different sources and perspectives to have a more complete view of reality. During previous episodes of war in Gaza, the United Nations Humanitarian Office published its own figures based on extensive research into medical records. The UN figures largely match those of Gaza’s health ministry, with some minor differences. By taking into account these different sources of information, it becomes possible to better understand the complexity of the conflict and to avoid biases that could arise from a single source.
Conclusion :
In seeking information about victims of conflict, it is necessary to consider different sources and perspectives. The figure provided by the Gaza Ministry of Health is an important source, but it does not give a complete picture of reality. By taking into account other sources of information, such as the UN, it becomes possible to understand the different facets of the conflict and form a more informed opinion. Diversity of perspectives is essential to avoid bias and promote a deeper understanding of the situation in Gaza.