RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) reported today that 24% of those killed in the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza are youth, with 26% being male and 22% female.

PCBS said in a report marking the International Youth Day that 75% of those who have been killed by Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank since October 7, 2023, are under 30.

The report projects that Gaza’s population growth rate will drop significantly from an estimated 2.7% in 2023 to around 1% in 2024, following a dramatic decline in birth rates due to the ongoing Israeli war.

The report also anticipates a direct impact on the age and gender structure of the population, with targeted attacks on children and youth causing long-term demographic changes.

Before the Israeli assault, Palestine had a population of approximately 5.6 million, including 1.2 million youths aged 18-29, representing 22% of the population, according to the report. By the end of 2023, this proportion was 22% in the West Bank and 21% in Gaza.

T
he report further details that 653 students from higher education institutions have been killed by Israeli forces, with 619 in Gaza and 34 in the West Bank. Additionally, 105 education workers in Gaza have been killed, and 1,406 students from Gaza’s higher education institutions have been injured.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA