- Starvation: Many people who were hiding did not have access to food and water. This was especially true in the later years of the war, when food became scarce.
- Disease: Due to the lack of sanitation and medical care, many people who were hiding died from diseases such as typhus, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
- Exposure to the elements: Many people who were hiding were forced to live in harsh conditions, such as in forests, caves, or cellars. This exposure to the elements often led to illness or death.
- Betrayal: Some people who were hiding were betrayed by those who knew their location. This often resulted in their capture and death.
In addition to these factors, many people who were hiding were killed by the Nazis and their collaborators. This was often done through mass executions, or through individual acts of violence.