At least 20,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to data from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. The death toll averages nearly 300 people per day, excluding the seven-day ceasefire, making it an "exceptionally high" pace of killing, as described by conflict expert Prof Michael Spagat. The figures do not account for bodies buried under rubble or those not taken to hospitals, suggesting the toll could be even higher.

The densely populated Gaza Strip, measuring just 41km (25 miles) long and 10km (6 miles) wide, has witnessed the devastating impact of the conflict. Israel's use of a wide variety of bombs, including some as large as 2000lb, has directly contributed to the high number of fatalities. With a population density similar to that of London, the larger bombs can cause shockwaves that liquefy the ground, making the destruction even more severe.

The conflict began in the wake of Hamas attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians. However, the civilian casualty rate in Gaza has raised concerns, as worldwide conflicts involving explosive weapons on populated areas have seen an average of 90% civilian deaths, according to Action on Armed Violence.

Israel has been accused of using unguided bombs, which can miss their target by up to 30m, potentially hitting civilian areas. Marc Garlasco, a former Pentagon analyst and UN war crimes investigator, highlighted the impact of these bombs on civilian populations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim to take precautionary measures to minimize civilian harm and have emphasized that Hamas uses the civilian population as human shields.

The war in Gaza has had a particularly devastating effect on children, as nearly half of the territory's population is under 18. With over 52,000 people injured so far, the long-lasting consequences of the conflict are becoming apparent. Gaza has been labeled by UNICEF as the "most dangerous place in the world to be a child."

Comparisons with past conflicts highlight the severity of the situation in Gaza. The rate of killing is higher than in any conflict documented by experts and is comparable to the 1972 Christmas bombing during the Vietnam War, which resulted in the deaths of roughly 20,000 Vietnamese civilians. Other recent conflicts, such as the battle for Raqqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq, saw significantly fewer civilian casualties.

The high death toll and devastating impact on Gaza's population highlight the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict. International pressure is mounting on Israel to reassess its military tactics and avoid further civilian casualties, while efforts for a peaceful resolution continue.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on data provided by the Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry and statements from relevant experts.