Ramallah: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) has issued a press release on the 78th annual commemoration of the Palestinian Nakba, highlighting the global Palestinian population reaching 15.5 million by the end of 2025. This includes 7.4 million residing in historic Palestine and 8.1 million in the diaspora, with a significant number in Arab countries.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the data reveals that approximately 5.6 million Palestinians are living in the State of Palestine, with 3.43 million in the West Bank and 2.13 million in the Gaza Strip. The press release also details the displacement of two million Palestinians in Gaza and 40,000 in the West Bank since October 2023 due to ongoing conflicts.
The report outlines the expansion of Israeli settlements, with 645 sites and military bases in the West Bank by the end of 2025. This includes 151 settlements and numerous outposts, impacting Palestinian agricultural lands significantly. Israeli settlers in the West Bank numbered 778,567, with a considerable concentration in Jerusalem.
The year 2025 saw the Israeli occupation authorities confiscate over 5,571 dunums of Palestinian land. The exploitation of agricultural lands by settlers has increased dramatically since 2000, further restricting Palestinian access to resources.
The agency also highlights the scale of destruction in Gaza since October 2023, with over 102,000 buildings destroyed and significant damage to infrastructure. In the West Bank, around 1,400 buildings faced demolition in 2025, with numerous forced self-demolitions in Jerusalem.
The demographic data illustrates the severe population density in Gaza, reaching over 6,000 individuals per km² by 2023. The region has witnessed a sharp increase in population amid constrained living space.
The report underscores the humanitarian crisis, with water availability in Gaza dropping significantly below international standards, and the high number of martyrs since October 2023, totaling over 73,761. The ongoing confiscation of Jerusalem IDs also presents a persistent challenge for Palestinian families.
Despite these challenges, Palestinian society remains young and educated, with high literacy rates and significant female participation in higher education. Internet usage is widespread, and the medical workforce exceeds global averages. Furthermore, a significant portion of agricultural holders possess higher education qualifications, reflecting resilience and adaptability among Palestinians.