A study published on Harvard Dataverse claims 377,000 Palestinians are unaccounted for since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in 2023.

The research, led by Israeli political scientist Yaakov Garb, uses Israel Defense Forces (IDF) population estimates and spatial mapping of aid compounds.

The Cradle published findings highlighting major demographic inconsistencies, referring to a study by Harvard. This research suggests that as of October 7, 2023, Israel has erased the existence of 377,000 Palestinians. More details can be viewed on The Cradle’s report.

Study’s Core Findings

Yaakov Garb’s report, published in June 2025, analyzes IDF-provided population estimates in Gaza.

The study integrates these figures with geographical mapping of emerging “aid distribution” sites, deducing that the 377,000 missing Palestinians result from demographic data mismatches.

The analysis was conducted by Israeli academic Yaakov Garb, employing data and spatial mapping to reveal how Israel’s military blockade of Gaza and indiscriminate civilian attacks have significantly reduced its population. These missing Palestinians, attributed to acts described as genocide, account for around 17 percent of Gaza’s population, now approximately 1.85 million. Prior to the conflict, Gaza’s population was about 2.227 million, according to The Cradle.

The research relies on official Israeli figures, emphasizing transparency in its sourcing. The findings were first highlighted by The Cradle on June 23, 2025.

Methodology and Data Sources

Garb’s team used IDF data to assess Gaza’s population before and after the 2023 campaign.

Spatial mapping identified aid compounds, correlating their locations with population shifts. The dataset includes detailed demographic records.

The study avoids speculative claims, grounding its analysis in verifiable figures. However, some critics question the completeness of IDF data.

Ongoing Questions and Impact

The report’s findings, based on IDF estimates, highlight significant demographic shifts in Gaza. With 377,000 Palestinians unaccounted for, the study underscores the need for further investigation into conflict-related demographic discrepancies.

As debates over methodology continue, the data demands attention from policymakers and researchers to address the human toll and ensure accountability.