Despite Frequent Attacks, Palestinian Birth Rate Still Exceeds Israel's

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ongoing since the mid-20th century, has claimed millions of lives. Nevertheless, the birth rate in Palestine remains higher than in Israel.

According to data from the United Nations Population Division, the total fertility rate (TFR) in Palestine was 3.44 in 2022. This means that, on average, each woman in Palestine gives birth to approximately three children during her reproductive years.

Palestine's TFR is higher than Israel's, which stood at 2.95 during the same period.

Despite being higher, Palestine's birth rate has been declining annually. In 1950, for instance, the TFR in Palestine reached 7.84, the highest in over seven decades.

The trend shows a yearly decrease in Palestine's TFR, except for a slight 0.01 increase in 2015. The decline was particularly sharp approaching the 21st century, reaching its lowest point in 2022.

Unlike Palestine, Israel's birth rate has fluctuated over the past seven decades.

In 1950, Israel's TFR was 4.47. The figures have been quite dynamic since then.

Israel's TFR reached its lowest point in over seven decades in 2005, at 2.84.

The conflict between the two countries reignited after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Israel retaliated with attacks on the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

As a result, many civilians have become victims of the conflict, ranging from infants and children to the elderly.

Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Gaza Ministry of Health, and official Israeli government statements indicate that the Israeli-Palestinian war caused approximately 7,200 deaths and 23,500 injuries on both sides between October 7 and 24, 2023.

The conflict between the two countries has been ongoing since 1948, stemming from Israel's territorial disputes with Palestine.