Title: Disinformation around casualty figures in the Gaza Strip: let’s clarify the situation
Introduction :
In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is crucial to have accurate data to understand the scale of human losses. However, there is often confusion around casualty figures, particularly in the Gaza Strip. In this article, we will clarify the situation by taking a close look at the methodology used by the Gaza Ministry of Health and highlighting the importance of having a reliable source of information.
The role of the Gaza Ministry of Health:
The Gaza Ministry of Health is responsible for collecting data on victims of conflicts in the Gaza Strip. It collects this information from local hospitals as well as the Palestinian Red Crescent. It is worth mentioning that the ministry does not specify how the Palestinians were killed, whether by Israeli strikes, Palestinian rocket fire or other factors. All victims are described as victims of “Israeli aggression”, and no distinction is made between civilians and combatants.
Using figures from the Gaza Ministry of Health:
United Nations agencies, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Palestinian Red Crescent, as well as other humanitarian organizations, often use Gaza Health Ministry figures in their reports. However, it should be noted that these figures can sometimes present some differences compared to the estimates of the UN, which conducts its own research in medical records to establish the death tolls of the victims.
The importance of having verified sources of information:
It is essential to have verified and reliable sources of information to avoid any misinformation or manipulation of victim figures. Conflicts are often accompanied by propaganda and biased narratives, making it all the more important to rely on credible sources. The UN, for example, conducts independent research to estimate casualties, which provides a more complete picture of the situation.
Conclusion :
In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, casualty figures are often used to legitimize the actions and narratives of the parties involved. It is therefore essential to exercise caution and verify sources of information in order to truly understand the extent of human losses. The Gaza Ministry of Health plays an important role in data collection, but it is also essential to consult other credible sources, such as the UN, to get a more objective view of the situation.