RAMALLAH, West Bank/BEIRUT, Dec 6 (Reuters) - As the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with experts warning of a worsening humanitarian disaster. With most of Gaza's 2.3 million people homeless and lacking access to basic necessities, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and secure shelter, concerns are growing over the accuracy of the casualty toll.

According to figures released by the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 16,015 Palestinians have been killed since the cross-border rampage by Hamas on Oct. 7. In response, Israeli forces launched an aggressive aerial and ground assault on the Islamist group in Gaza. Israeli tallies indicate that 1,200 people were killed in Hamas' incursion into Israel.

The destruction of basic infrastructure, frequent disruptions in phone and internet services, and the loss of health statisticians in Gaza have raised concerns about the ability of Gaza health authorities to provide an accurate count of the casualties. In the early weeks of the conflict, hospital morgues sent figures to the Hamas-run health ministry's main collection center at Al Shifa Hospital. However, the data center was hit by an airstrike, resulting in the death of one official, while the other three officials went missing when Israeli forces seized the premises.

"The kind of casualty recording required to understand what's going on is getting harder. Information infrastructure, the health systems that existed, are being systematically destroyed," said Hamit Dardagan of Iraq Body Count, a group that monitors violent deaths.

Since a truce collapsed on Dec. 1, the release of casualty updates has become irregular. The last update from Gaza's health ministry reported a death toll of 15,899. However, there is growing concern that the numbers provided may be underestimated, as they do not include fatalities who did not reach hospitals or may be buried under the rubble.

Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila described Gaza's health services as being in a "disastrous" state, with over 250 staff killed and at least 30 arrested by Israeli forces. The number of bodies feared buried under rubble now reaches into the thousands, as much of Gaza civil defense force's digging equipment has been destroyed in air strikes.

Before the war, Gaza had robust population statistics and well-functioning health information systems. Experts have affirmed the credibility and professionalism of Palestinian health authorities in their data collection and reporting. However, the communication breakdown between the West Bank's Palestinian Authority in Ramallah and Gaza has hindered the issuance of detailed reports.

The high civilian toll is attributed to the use of heavy weapons and strikes on residential areas where Hamas has reportedly hidden its bases and weaponry within civilian infrastructure. According to the PA Health Ministry, around 70% of Gaza's dead were women and children under 18.

The new phase of Israel's offensive has further complicated the collection of reliable death toll data. Experts lament the impact of the war on the previously efficient health technocrats and emphasize the urgency of the situation.

As the conflict rages on, the international community must address the growing humanitarian crisis and provide support to the people of Gaza. Efforts to accurately track and report casualty tolls are essential to ensure accountability and make informed decisions to bring about peace and stability in the region.