Genocide Mortality: Data Integrity in Palestinian Records and Comparative Empirical Patterns from Past Genocides

Hamid Oskorouchi , University of Palermo

Genocides constitute some of the most extreme forms of human-caused mortality, deliberately targeting specific populations and producing profound demographic, social, and intergenerational consequences. Accurate and reliable mortality data are essential for documenting these atrocities, yet systematic statistical evaluations remain limited. This study examines the daily mortality records released by the Palestinian Ministry of Health during the ongoing violence in Gaza, assessing their internal consistency through statistical distribution tests, regressions across demographic groups, correlations between age and identification numbers, and analyses of temporal patterns. Preliminary results indicate that the mortality records reflect patterns consistent with genuine conflict-related deaths, supporting their reliability. In addition, the extended abstract outlines plans for a comparative analysis with past genocides, including Bosnia and Rwanda, to identify demographic signatures of genocidal violence. By providing rigorous statistical methods for evaluating mortality data, this research contributes to the empirical understanding of ongoing mass atrocities and establishes a framework for the rigorous and timely monitoring of genocidal violence.

See extended abstract

 Presented in Session 3. Flash Session Mortality Levels and Trends