Around in Circles: The War in Gaza A Year Later

The war in Gaza that commenced in October of 2023 has resulted in unexpected devastation and severe humanitarian crises. This conflict was sparked by a surprise attack from Hamas on Israel on the 7th of October 2023, which led to approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the capturing of over 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched military operations targeting Gaza, including airstrikes and a ground attack that commenced on the 27th.

Image: Muhammad Salem, Reuters

The impact on Gaza has been undeniable. By the start of 2024, reports stated that around 71 percent of buildings in the city of Gaza and 67% in northern Gaza were either damaged or destroyed. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 42,000 Palestinians, as stated by Gaza’s health ministry, with most casualties being women and children. The ongoing violence has seen the displacement of nearly 2 million residents, making an already severe humanitarian situation even worse by shortages of food, water, and first-aid supplies.

The infrastructure in Gaza has been severely compromised. Almost 60% of structures have been damaged or destroyed, with significant destruction of roads—about 68% have been rendered impassable. This destruction complicates the delivery of humanitarian aid and the movement of displaced individuals. The UN reported that 87% of schools have suffered damage since the onset of hostilities, contributing to a collapse of the educational system.

The conflict has also expanded beyond Gaza’s borders. On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah began launching rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas, leading to increased military engagements along the Israeli-Lebanese border. This escalation has drawn in Iranian support for Hamas and other militias from the region. However, the recent ceasefire agreement has brought new hope for peace in the Gaza Strip. 

As of late 2024, the situation remains fluid with ongoing military operations by Israeli forces in southern Gaza. The humanitarian crisis is deepening as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire amidst widespread civilian casualties and infrastructural collapse. Negotiations for a truce have gone haywire, with both sides holding firm to their demands—Hamas seeks an end to hostilities while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and securing the release of hostages.

In summary, the war in Gaza has led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction, creating a humanitarian crisis that continues to evolve as regional dynamics continue to shift apart.