It has been one year since the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, following an incursion by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023. In retaliation, Israel initiated a relentless air campaign coupled with a blockade that has intensified over the years, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian consequences for the people of Gaza.

Casualties and Impact on Children

The initial attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,140 individuals and led to the abduction of around 240 captives. In the ensuing months, the violence escalated dramatically. As of now, the death toll has surpassed 41,615 Palestinians, highlighting a staggering statistic that equates to one out of every 55 inhabitants of Gaza. The conflict has had a devastating impact on children, with at least 16,756 minors losing their lives, setting an unfortunate record for child fatalities in conflict zones over the past two decades. Tragically, more than 17,000 children are now left orphaned.

Injuries and Healthcare Crisis

Injuries have also skyrocketed, with at least 97,303 reported casualties, representing nearly one in every 23 individuals in Gaza. The World Health Organization has identified that about 22,500 of these injuries are life-changing, exacerbated by a lack of medical rehabilitation resources. The ongoing siege has led to harrowing conditions where around 10 children daily suffer from severe injuries, including amputations performed without adequate anesthesia due to healthcare shortages.

Destruction and Infrastructure Damage

The destruction extends beyond lives lost and injuries sustained. It is feared that over 10,000 individuals remain trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings, compounding the dire situation for rescue workers who lack the necessary equipment to excavate these sites. According to estimates, approximately 75,000 tons of explosives have been used, leading to a staggering 42 million tons of debris that experts believe will take years to clear.

Impact on Healthcare

The healthcare sector has suffered significant blows, with at least 114 hospitals and clinics becoming non-operational amid ongoing assaults. This has created insurmountable challenges for patients in need of critical care. Reports indicate that nearly 986 medical professionals have lost their lives, forming a grim statistic for a region already burdened with healthcare crises.

Public Health Crisis

A horrifying reality has emerged, where infectious diseases are rampant due to deteriorating sanitary conditions. Approximately 75 percent of the population, 1.7 million people, have contracted diseases, and nearly all face significant food shortages, with 2.15 million individuals—96 percent of Gaza's population—lacking sufficient food.

Water and Sanitation Issues

The destruction of essential infrastructure is profound, with 700 water wells destroyed and most of the population denied access to clean water. Current rationing leaves individuals with just 1.5 to 1.8 liters of water daily, far below the WHO recommendation of 100 liters per person.

Journalists and Prisoners

The situation for journalists in Gaza has been alarmingly perilous, with over 130 fatalities reported, making it one of the deadliest places for media personnel globally. Additionally, over 10,000 Palestinians are detained under challenging conditions within Israeli prisons, many without charge, further complicating an already tense situation.

Destruction of Homes and Schools

More than half of Gaza’s residential homes have been damaged or completely destroyed, with reports indicating that 150,000 homes have become uninhabitable. Educational facilities are also bearing the brunt of this violence, with 123 schools and universities destroyed, impacting over 625,000 children who are now deprived of education.

Cultural Heritage Loss

Cultural heritage sites have not escaped the destruction: 206 archaeological locations, 611 mosques, and all churches have been targeted. The Great Omari Mosque, a historical site, experienced significant damage, further illustrating the impact of the conflict on Gaza's cultural identity.

Conclusion

As we reflect on this devastating year, the realities of life in Gaza underscore a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention and action from the global community. Solutions must be sought to prevent further loss of life and to provide humanitarian aid to those affected. The numbers tell a heart-wrenching story—one that calls for a reckoning and immediate support for the suffering population of Gaza.