Thousands Reported Missing in Gaza Amid Israeli Airstrikes, Al Jazeera Investigation Finds

An investigative report by Al Jazeera has revealed that at least 2,842 Palestinians in Gaza have been registered as missing since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023.

According to Gaza’s Civil Defense authorities, many bodies could not be fully identified following airstrikes on residential buildings and public facilities. In several cases, rescue teams found fewer remains than the number of people believed to be inside targeted structures.

The report suggests that the use of high-impact weapons may have contributed to the difficulty in identifying victims. Some experts have raised concerns about the possible use of thermal and thermobaric munitions, although no official confirmation has been provided by Israeli authorities.

Gaza’s Health Ministry states that more than 72,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

Human rights organizations have described the situation as a severe humanitarian crisis. They have called for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid.

The United Nations and several international actors continue to urge both sides to protect civilians and comply with international law. Analysts warn that without urgent diplomatic intervention, the conflict may further destabilize the region and deepen the suffering of civilians.