The genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, which began in October 2023, marks a year of devastation and suffering on an unimaginable scale. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has unleashed a relentless campaign of bombings, blockades, and sieges in response to an attack by armed fighters from Hamas’ Qassam Brigades. The ensuing violence has decimated Gaza’s population, infrastructure, healthcare system, and social fabric.
Genesis of the Conflict: The October 2023 Hamas Attack and Israel’s Response
The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when the Qassam Brigades and other Palestinian groups launched an attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,140 people and the abduction of 240 individuals. In response, Israel initiated a bombing campaign of unprecedented scale, coupled with a tightening of the siege that has suffocated Gaza since 2007. This marked the beginning of what many global observers have described as a campaign of genocide.
According to Al Jazeera and various rights groups, over the past year, Israeli strikes have killed over 41,615 Palestinians, which equates to one out of every 55 individuals in Gaza’s population of 2.3 million. Among these, more than 16,756 children have lost their lives, making it the deadliest year for children in conflict zones in recent history. These numbers reflect the catastrophic human cost that continues to unfold as a result of Israel’s aggressive military strategy.
Humanitarian Catastrophe: Death, Injury, and Displacement
The human toll in Gaza goes beyond fatalities. With over 97,303 people injured, approximately one in every 23 residents of Gaza has suffered injuries, many of which are life-altering. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 22,500 of the injured are in desperate need of rehabilitation, with limb injuries constituting the primary cause. Tragically, many of these injuries require amputation, and due to the shortage of medical supplies and personnel, operations are often performed with little or no anesthesia.
The number of casualties is expected to rise, as thousands are feared to be buried under rubble from buildings flattened by Israeli airstrikes. Volunteers and civil defense workers, without the necessary tools and equipment, rely on their bare hands to attempt rescues.
The Devastation of Gaza’s Healthcare System
The destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has compounded the humanitarian disaster. Over the past year, Israel has bombed 114 hospitals and clinics, rendering them inoperative. Gaza’s Media Office reports that 34 hospitals and 80 health centers are completely out of service, and a staggering 162 health institutions have been targeted by Israeli forces. Ambulances have also been deliberately hit, with 131 vehicles either damaged or destroyed.
The loss of healthcare facilities has dire consequences for Gaza’s population. At least 350,000 chronically ill patients are unable to receive essential treatments, and 10,000 cancer patients no longer have access to life-saving medications. The number of patients who need to leave Gaza for critical treatment has risen to 15,000, but Israel’s blockade continues to prevent medical evacuations.
According to the Gaza Emergency Operations Centre, mass graves have been uncovered in hospitals, including Nasser Medical Complex and al-Shifa Hospital, where bodies were found buried beneath the rubble or left to decay in medical wards. The targeting of hospitals and medical workers has led many international observers to call Israel’s actions potential war crimes, as they violate the Geneva Convention’s prohibition against attacking medical facilities and personnel.
Widespread Starvation and Water Scarcity
Israel’s blockade of Gaza extends beyond the bombardment of healthcare facilities—it has systematically denied access to food, water, and humanitarian aid. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), 96% of Gaza’s population—2.15 million people—are facing severe food insecurity, with nearly half a million at risk of starvation. Gaza’s agricultural infrastructure has been decimated, and food imports are severely restricted. The lack of access to clean water has compounded the crisis. According to Anera, 95% of Gaza’s population has had no access to clean water for months.
The average Gazan now has access to just 1.5 to 1.8 liters of water per day, far below the WHO’s recommended daily minimum of 100 liters. With many desalination plants damaged and only intermittent access to the three remaining Israeli water connection points, Gaza’s residents are forced to drink contaminated water or seawater. This has led to widespread outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
A Generation Lost:
The most tragic aspect of this genocide is its impact on Gaza’s children. Over 16,756 children have been killed in the past year, while 17,000 others have lost one or both parents. Children who survive the bombings and blockades face a grim future, with many suffering from severe physical and psychological trauma. According to UNRWA, every day, 10 children in Gaza lose one or both legs due to bombings and lack of adequate medical care. The combination of malnutrition, lack of clean water, and constant fear has created an environment where children’s survival is a daily struggle.
The destruction of Gaza’s education system adds to the bleak outlook for future generations. Over the past year, 123 schools and universities have been completely destroyed, while 335 others have been damaged. At least 625,000 children are currently without access to education, and 11,500 students, along with 750 teachers, have been killed. This loss of educational infrastructure has dire long-term consequences, as an entire generation is being deprived of the opportunity to rebuild and contribute to their society.
The Economic Cost:
The economic damage inflicted by Israel’s attacks on Gaza is staggering. The Gaza Media Office estimates that the direct damage caused by Israeli airstrikes amounts to $33 billion. Residential and commercial buildings have been decimated—60% of homes and 80% of businesses have been damaged or destroyed. Over 150,000 homes have been reduced to rubble, and Gaza’s electrical grid has been nearly wiped out, with more than 3,000 km of power lines destroyed.
The destruction of Gaza’s economic infrastructure has plunged the population into extreme poverty, with unemployment rates soaring and no means of economic recovery in sight. The blockade has prevented the import of building materials, ensuring that Gaza remains in a state of perpetual devastation.
Cultural and Religious Heritage Erased
In addition to the destruction of lives and livelihoods, Israel’s military campaign has targeted Gaza’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Over 206 archaeological and heritage sites have been destroyed in the past year, including 611 mosques and all three of Gaza’s churches. The Church of Saint Porphyrius, one of the oldest places of worship in Gaza, was bombed twice—first in October 2023 and then again in July 2024. The damage to these sites represents not only a loss of historical significance but also an assault on the spiritual and cultural identity of Gaza’s people.
Global Response and Accountability
Despite widespread global condemnation from international organizations, rights groups, and even some governments, Israel has continued its military campaign against Gaza with little to no accountability. The United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International have all issued reports accusing Israel of war crimes, particularly in its targeting of civilians, healthcare facilities, and essential infrastructure. However, efforts to hold Israel accountable through the International Criminal Court (ICC) have been slow-moving, with political obstacles preventing meaningful action.
The Future of Gaza:
Looking forward, the future of Gaza remains uncertain. The scale of destruction is so vast that it will take decades to rebuild, and only if Israel lifts its siege and allows humanitarian aid and building materials to flow into the territory. The psychological and physical toll on Gaza’s population, particularly its children, will have long-lasting impacts, affecting future generations and the potential for peace in the region.
Genocide against Palestinians
The genocide against Palestinians in Gaza over the past year has left deep scars on the population, infrastructure, and future of the territory. The human toll is staggering, with tens of thousands killed or injured, and entire communities displaced or destroyed. The targeting of hospitals, schools, and cultural heritage sites has not only decimated Gaza’s ability to function as a society but has also eroded the identity and hope of its people.
The international community must take urgent action to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s beleaguered population. The world cannot afford to stand by as a nation is systematically destroyed through a campaign of genocide.
References
- Al Jazeera, UNRWA, WHO, OCHA, Anera, and Gaza Media Office reports on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis on food insecurity in Gaza.
- Reports from Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the United Nations on Israel’s military actions and allegations of war crimes.
- Data from the World Health Organization and UNRWA on the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare and education infrastructure.
