The Unending Struggle: The Aftermath of the Assault on Gaza
For three years, the region of Gaza has been subjected to continuous conflict, marking the longest confrontation for one of the countries involved since its establishment in 1948. The devastating consequences are evident, with the majority of those affected being civilians, and the total death toll now surpassing 67,000. A single airstrike has resulted in the eradication of entire families, often leaving only one survivor, frequently a child. On top of this, nearly 170,000 people have been injured. This means around 10% of Gaza's pre-conflict population of 2.3 million has suffered casualties.
However, the actual number of casualties could be much higher. Many victims might be buried under the rubble that now blankets most of Gaza. Deaths from untreated illnesses, malnutrition, suicide, or other causes related to the conflict might also increase the toll. Thousands of people have vanished, either lost, incinerated, or torn to pieces by explosions. Others have been secretly detained.
Devastating Blockade and Accusations of Genocide
The country controlling the conflict has imposed restrictions on supplies entering Gaza. A complete blockade was enforced for a couple of months, purportedly due to the theft of aid to fund military operations. This blockade led to famine being declared in parts of Gaza later in the year, although the restrictions were eventually eased due to international outcry.
Accusations of genocide have been made against the controlling country due to the scale of the devastation in Gaza. Independent experts working for a high-profile human rights organization suggested that the level of death and destruction in Gaza met the criteria for genocide. However, this claim was refuted by the accused country.
Trigger Event and Catastrophic Aftermath
The conflict was sparked by a raid into the controlling country, leading to the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of a further 251. The impact of the conflict on Gaza has been destructive, both physically and in human terms. Nearly all residents of the area have been displaced, with entire cities reduced to piles of dust and rubble. The situation has been described as a "post-apocalyptic landscape" or "hell on earth".
Staggering Casualty Statistics
- 67,074 residents of Gaza killed
- 168,716 injured
Over 67,000 residents of Gaza have been killed, the majority of whom were civilians. Of these, about 20,000 are children, representing approximately 2% of the child population of Gaza. In addition, more than 168,000 have been injured, with many sustaining injuries typically associated with intense combat.
Many more have died due to hunger, inadequate shelter, lack of medication, accidents, rapid spread of infectious diseases, and the collapse of the healthcare system. It's suggested that life expectancy in Gaza has been halved in the first year of the conflict.
Absolute Devastation and Displacement
- 436,000 homes damaged or destroyed (92% of total)
- 2.1 million residents of Gaza displaced (95% of the population)
The relentless aerial bombing and deliberate destruction of territory has resulted in damage or destruction of 78% of Gaza's estimated 250,000 buildings, generating millions of tonnes of debris. More than 80% of Gaza's territory is estimated to be under military evacuation order or combat zone, or otherwise barred to residents. The majority of the population has been displaced, with many losing everything.
Hundreds of thousands of people now live in tent cities and overcrowded shelters with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. In addition, many historical and cultural sites, including mosques, markets, churches, and ancient sites, have been severely damaged or completely destroyed.
Education System in Ruins
- 518 schools damaged or destroyed (90% of schools)
- 745,000 students out of formal education
Since the conflict began, over 700,000 students have been out of school for more than two academic years. Over 90% of school buildings, 79% of higher education campuses, and 60% of vocational training centers have been damaged or destroyed. Despite being clearly marked on maps and hosting large numbers of displaced people, many schools have been bombed.
Healthcare System Under Attack
- 654 attacks on healthcare facilities during the conflict
- More than 1,700 health workers killed
Only a fraction of Gaza's hospitals are still partially functional, and those that are operating are often overwhelmed. The majority of hospitals have sustained some damage from strikes, and one was completely demolished. Besides, the restrictions on medicine entering Gaza have left many essential treatments unavailable and equipment unusable.
Nutrition Crisis and Aid Shortages
- 400 deaths related to malnutrition
Since the beginning of the conflict, 400 malnutrition-related deaths have been documented, including those of 101 children. Tens of thousands of children are now on emergency feeding programs. The restrictions on aid entering Gaza throughout the conflict, along with the destruction of agricultural production inside the territory, have led to scarcity.
Environmental Catastrophe
- Only 1.5% of Gaza cropland can be farmed
Since the conflict began, Gaza has lost the majority of its tree crops, shrubland, and annual crops, making large-scale food production impossible. The destruction has long-term impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, food security, and the health of residents. Only a tiny fraction of cropland is accessible and suitable for cultivation. The soil and water supplies have been polluted by toxic residue from munitions and fires.