October 7, 2023: The beginning of war in the Near East
The terror attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, marked the onset of the War in the Near East. In response, Israel launched a counterattack, declaring its objective to annihilate Hamas. Now, the conflict has persisted for over a year.
Currently, a majority of the Gaza Strip is designated as a combat and military exclusion zone. The population is crammed into refugee camps and makeshift tent cities. It remains unclear how long these catastrophic conditions will persist, as there appears to be no end in sight for the military campaign. The approaching winter is likely to exacerbate the situation.
Death toll exceeds forty thousand
The Ministry of Health in Gaza recently reported over 41,000 deaths and approximately 97,000 injuries since the war began. These figures have sparked debate, as the ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. Additionally, around 10,000 victims have yet to be identified by name. Media representatives are still barred from entering the Gaza Strip, making it impossible to verify these numbers. However, the United Nations and other war observers have indicated that the Ministry of Health’s figures have been reliable in the past.
In mid-September, the Ministry published a 649-page list naming 34,344 identified victims, of which 11,355 were minors, including 710 classified as infants. UNICEF estimates that approximately 25,000 children have already been killed in the conflict. Experts generally agree that the actual death toll is likely higher than reported. Many areas of the Gaza Strip remain inaccessible, and the Ministry of Health estimates that around 10,000 people are buried under the rubble. Moreover, the impact of the conflict’s consequences—such as the destruction of infrastructure—on additional victims remains unaddressed.
Destruction and displacement in the Gaza Strip
According to the United Nations, two-thirds of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed since the start of the war, based on satellite imagery. UNICEF reports that 534 schools have been damaged or destroyed, amounting to 92.9 percent of all schools in the region. Furthermore, the United Nations indicates that 1.9 million people have been displaced, accounting for 90 percent of the population in the Gaza Strip. Many of these individuals have had to flee multiple times.
The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders, while aid agencies have reported repeated attacks on so-called “humanitarian zones.”
Healthcare system in crisis
The healthcare system in Gaza has collapsed, according to aid agencies. The World Health Organization reports that only 17 of 36 hospitals are partially operational. Ten field hospitals have been established in the southern and central regions of the Gaza Strip, with half of these functioning. Overall, hospitals have approximately 2,100 available beds.
Rising hunger and poverty
According to the World Bank, nearly 100 percent of the population in the Gaza Strip lives in poverty, relying entirely on humanitarian assistance. Data released by the United Nations in early September indicated a 35 percent decrease in provided meals. At least 70 of the 130 kitchens have been forced to close or relocate due to evacuation orders from the Israeli military.