The devastating 15-month war between Israel and Hamas has left Gaza in utter ruin, its infrastructure shattered, its people traumatized and displaced. The longest conflict since Israel’s founding in 1948, this war exacted an immeasurable toll on Gaza’s 2 million residents, already suffering under a strict blockade.
Unprecedented Casualties and Displacement
Israeli airstrikes and ground operations killed over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including more than 13,000 children – a staggering 2% of the enclave’s pre-war population. Another 110,000 were wounded, many with life-altering injuries. But the true death toll likely exceeds 70,000, with thousands still buried under rubble. Mass displacement saw 90% of Gazans, 1.9 million people, forced from their homes, many repeatedly.
Systematic Destruction of Homes and Infrastructure
Israel’s unrelenting bombardment damaged or destroyed 92% of homes in Gaza. Entire neighborhoods were leveled in a practice some deem a new war crime: “domicide”. Over 40 million tons of rubble litter the territory. With Israel controlling the flow of rebuilding supplies, Gaza’s reconstruction could take over a decade.
Healthcare System Deliberately Crippled
Repeated airstrikes systematically dismantled Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. Less than half its hospitals remain partially functional and over 1,000 medical workers were killed in what the UN condemned as deliberate war crimes. With severe shortages of staff, supplies and electricity, containing infectious disease outbreaks and treating serious injuries became nearly impossible.
Education Under Attack
The war damaged or destroyed 95% of Gaza’s schools, depriving its 660,000 school-age children of education for over a year. Many schools doubling as emergency shelters suffered multiple bombings. The long-term setbacks to learning and mental health could span generations.
Humanitarian Catastrophe
By late 2024, Israeli restrictions on aid had plunged most Gazans into desperate hunger. Over 96% of young children and pregnant women lacked essential nutrition. Fuel and chemical shortages caused massive sewage overflows, contaminating water, while toxic rubble and munitions residue poisoned soil and crops. Half of Gaza’s trees were razed. Experts warn of irreversible health and ecological consequences.
After 15 months of unimaginable violence and deprivation, Gaza’s very viability hangs in the balance. Its hospitals and schools lie in ruins, its children are hungry and traumatized, its land and water poisoned. The long-term human costs of this war defy comprehension. Without massive international pressure and support, Gaza faces a future of unfathomable hardship and suffering.
