A false claim on social media alleges a Harvard University study found nearly 400,000 Palestinians missing in Gaza. This is untrue; Harvard published no such study. The misinformation stems from a misinterpretation of a Ben Gurion University professor's report, available on the Harvard Dataverse, which used outdated IDF population data to illustrate aid distribution challenges, not missing persons. The actual number of missing persons, likely those dead under rubble, is far lower, estimated in the tens of thousands by other studies. The false claim's spread hinders aid efforts and harms the Palestinian cause.

Prepared by Anthony Ross and reviewed by editorial team.