The population of Gaza has decreased by 6% since the onset of the war with Israel, with around 160,000 individuals lost from the enclave, as reported by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). Findings detail that nearly 100,000 Palestinians have left Gaza amid the conflict, with more than 55,000 presumed dead.

As of January 2025, the population stands at approximately 2.1 million, which includes over a million children under the age of 18, accounting for 47% of the total population. Reports indicate that over 45,500 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have died since the conflict commenced on October 7, 2023, with an additional 11,000 individuals still unaccounted for. The population's sharp decline underscores the catastrophic impact of the ongoing war and the "brutal aggression" inflicted on Gaza, with entire families reportedly erased from civil registries due to the violence (Reuters).

The PCBS highlights a humanitarian crisis, noting that approximately 22% of Gaza’s population faces "catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity”. This alarming figure includes around 3,500 children60,000 pregnant women in the region due to the lack of healthcare (Al Jazeera).

In contrast, Israel’s population growth has slowed, increasing by only 1.1% in 2024, down from 1.6% in the previous year. This trend is attributed to a rise in emigration, with 82,700 residents leaving Israel, significantly up from 55,000 the year prior. As of now, Israel's total population is estimated to be over 10 million, although comparisons include foreign nationals living in the country (CNN).

Israel, while facing international criticism regarding its military strategies, continues to assert that it adheres to international law and has the right to defend itself following the Hamas attacks that initiated the conflict. The war has escalated to include multiple fronts, with simultaneous engagements against groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and other militant factions. These complex dynamics may continue to shape long-term demographic patterns and international relations in the region.

In summary, the dire demographic shifts in Gaza highlight a severe humanitarian crisis, while slower population growth in Israel signals a change in the socio-political landscape, both of which are deeply intertwined with the ongoing conflict.

For more details, please refer to the original articles from Reuters, Al Jazeera, and CNN.