Key Takeaways:
– Israel and Hamas struck a ceasefire agreement after 15 months of war, which started with a large-scale terror attack launched by Hamas in October 2023.
– More than 46,788 Palestinians and over 1,200 Israelis lost their lives in the conflict.
– Major infrastructural damage across Gaza resulted in over 1.9 million people becoming internally displaced.
– Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure suffered heavily, leaving thousands in need of medical evacuation.
– The war led to a massive humanitarian crisis, including a severe food shortage.
A Ceasefire Ends 15 Months of Conflict
In a long-awaited development, a ceasefire agreement was established between Israel and Hamas, bringing an end to the 15-month conflict in Gaza. Despite accusations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Hamas was not complying with the deal, the ceasefire seems to have eliminated all roadblocks. As the dust settles, it is crucial to assess the aftermath of this brutal conflict.
Triggering Events and Response
The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, follwoing a terror attack launched by Hamas into Israel which resulted in the death of about 1,200 people and abduction of around 250 individuals. This provoked a stern response from Israel, marked by relentless bombing and a ground offensive in Gaza.
Casualties and Displacement
The harsh reaction resulted in the loss of more than 46,788 Palestinian lives, with children constituting about one-fourth of the total deceased. A destructive attack of this magnitude led to urgent displacement, with nearly 1.9 million people, equating to 90% of Gaza’s population, forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in camps.
Dire Healthcare Conditions
The war left the healthcare system in Gaza crippled. Data reveal that 50% of hospitals across the region are only partially functional and up to 12,000 patients are in desperate need of medical evacuation. According to findings from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the patients suffering from extensive burns and amputations have restricted access to lifesaving medical care.
Rocket Attacks and Human Shields
Throughout the conflict, over 8,200 rockets were launched at Israel from within the Gaza Strip, accompanied by another 12,000 fired from Lebanon. Throughout this ordeal, the Israeli military alleged that Hamas was using the population of Gaza as human shields, asserting to have struck over 40,000 targets in the region.
Monumental Infrastructure Damage
The conflict has inflicted widespread destruction on Gaza, leaving a whopping 69% of buildings damaged or destroyed and nearly 88% of school structures in need of rebuilding. It is estimated that over 345,000 individuals are experiencing severe hunger due to the resultant food crisis, and at least 658,000 students lack access to formal education.
Global Response and Aid Support
Amid the catastrophe, international aid has been flowing into Gaza. Israel has delivered 1,303,452 tons of aid since the beginning of the conflict involving 65,000 trucks and 10,000 pallets while the UK has pledged £100m in aid for Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Final Thoughts
As the ceasefire agreement marks the end of the ruthless conflict in Gaza, it serves as a shocking reminder of the tremendous human cost of war. The humanitarian crisis in its aftermath leaves a long, challenging journey towards recovery, reconstruction, and reconciliation. However, it is a necessary process to ensure lasting peace, survival, and dignity for all affected parties.