People and Society of Gaza Strip

Nationality

NA

Ethnic Groups

Palestinian Arab and other 99.4%, Jewish 0.6%

Population

2,098,325

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in the Gaza Strip reflects the complex humanitarian and public health conditions that have shaped the territory over decades. Prior to the significant escalation of conflict beginning in late 2023, overall life expectancy in Gaza stood at approximately 74 to 75 years, with women living slightly longer than men — around 76 to 77 years for females compared to roughly 72 to 73 years for males. These figures placed Gaza broadly in line with lower-middle-income territories globally, a notable achievement given the severe economic constraints and longstanding restrictions on movement affecting the population. Gaza's life expectancy gains over the latter half of the 20th century were driven largely by improvements in maternal and child health services, expanded vaccination programs, and the growth of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) healthcare facilities serving the Palestinian refugee population. Infant mortality rates declined substantially during this period, contributing meaningfully to rising average life expectancy figures. The structural conditions in Gaza, however, present persistent threats to long-term health outcomes. The territory faces chronic shortages of clean water, with a severely depleted coastal aquifer rendering the vast majority of groundwater unfit for human consumption without treatment. Rates of waterborne illness, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease have all been documented at elevated levels. The blockade imposed since 2007 has restricted the import of medical equipment, medications, and supplies, placing enormous strain on an already underfunded health system. The armed conflict that intensified dramatically beginning in October 2023 has further devastated Gaza's health infrastructure. Hospitals have been damaged or rendered non-operational, and mass casualties have been recorded across the civilian population. The World Health Organization and other humanitarian bodies have documented the near-collapse of the territory's healthcare system, with the compounding effects of mass displacement, acute food insecurity, the breakdown of sanitation infrastructure, and severely restricted access to medical care creating conditions that public health experts warn will suppress life expectancy significantly in the coming years. These developments risk reversing decades of hard-won health gains and may place Gaza among the most acute humanitarian health crises recorded in recent history.

Infant Mortality Rate

The infant mortality rate in the Gaza Strip has long reflected the difficult humanitarian conditions present in the territory. In recent years, the rate has hovered around 15 to 17 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that, while lower than many conflict-affected regions globally, represents a significant burden given the territory's constrained healthcare infrastructure and recurring periods of intense conflict. Infant mortality in Gaza is shaped by a complex interplay of factors. Overcrowding, limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, and a healthcare system operating well below capacity have all contributed to elevated risks for newborns and infants. The territory's hospitals and clinics regularly face shortages of essential medicines, medical equipment, and trained personnel, making it difficult to address complications during and after childbirth. Neonatal conditions — those affecting infants in the first 28 days of life — account for a substantial portion of infant deaths. Premature birth complications, infections, and birth asphyxia are among the leading causes. Malnutrition among pregnant mothers also affects birth outcomes, increasing the likelihood of low birth weight, which is itself a major risk factor for infant death. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have repeatedly flagged the deteriorating state of maternal and child health services in Gaza, particularly during and following periods of armed conflict. Damage to health facilities, displacement of families, and disruption of supply chains for medical goods directly impact the survival rates of the most vulnerable newborns. It is important to note that reliable and current data from Gaza can be difficult to verify due to ongoing instability. Estimates from international health bodies suggest that conditions since late 2023, marked by large-scale military operations and a severe humanitarian crisis, have placed significant additional stress on infant and child survival rates. Future assessments are expected to reflect a worsening of conditions compared to pre-conflict baseline figures.

• Muslim (predominantly Sunni)98.7%
• Christian0.7%
• Jewish0.6%

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

• Arabic
• Hebrew