Scientists say that this measurement, known as excess deaths, can provide a truer indication of the toll and scale of conflicts and other social upheaval. And Israel has not permitted researchers to enter the enclave since the start of the war last October. Credit... Bashar Taleb/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesIn an interview, Mr. Spagat cited other reasons to be cautious when discussing excess deaths in Gaza. Around 9,000 deaths have been directly attributed to the war since then by Gaza’s health ministry. The subject of excess deaths is sensitive because it touches on the collateral cost of Israel’s war against Hamas.

---

Persons: Elad Goren, Salim Yusuf, ”, Michael Spagat, Khan Younis, Bashar Taleb, Spagat, Zeina, Gabby Sobelman Organizations: Gaza Health Ministry, COGAT, Royal Holloway College, University of London, ., Agence France, Johns Hopkins University, London School of Hygiene, Medicine, Hamas Locations: Israel, Gaza, Britain, Canada, Khan, epidemiologists