For the past 40 days, Israel has been conducting indiscriminate attacks on Gaza by land, sea, and air. The extensive destruction caused by the attacks has resulted in severe humanitarian crises for the residents of the region. It is reported that the inhabitants of the besieged Gaza Strip have never witnessed such devastation in the history of Palestinian territories.
In the Israeli attacks on Gaza, more than 12,000 people have lost their lives, with over 4,700 of them being children. Additionally, nearly 200 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank during this time. The assault has led to the displacement of more than half of Gaza’s population, with over 23 lakh residents affected. Infrastructure, including homes, has been severely damaged, with over 2.2 lakh homes suffering partial or complete destruction. Approximately 45% of Gaza’s homes have been either fully or partially damaged.
The impact of the conflict extends beyond the loss of lives and physical destruction. Gaza’s social and economic fabric has been severely damaged. With the closure of businesses and factories due to the ongoing conflict, over half a million people have been rendered jobless. Educational institutions, healthcare services, and basic amenities have been significantly affected, with over 279 schools damaged or destroyed.
The health sector in Gaza is struggling to cope with the influx of casualties, with only nine out of 35 hospitals currently operational. The destruction of infrastructure, including water and sanitation facilities, has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned that the majority of water wells are no longer functional, affecting 70% of Gaza’s population.
The United Nations reports that Gaza’s economy has suffered a severe setback due to the conflict. Over 41,000 homes have been completely destroyed, and more than 2.2 lakh homes have been damaged. The destruction of infrastructure has affected Gaza’s GDP, which may decrease by up to 12% this year due to the ongoing conflict.
The UN also highlights the impact on education, with 51% of Gaza’s educational institutions damaged or destroyed. More than 600,000 students are affected by the closure or destruction of schools. Additionally, 65% of the pumping stations for sewage have been damaged or are inoperative, posing a serious environmental and health risk.
The overall situation is described as precarious, with fears of a worsening crisis if the conflict persists. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, but a comprehensive resolution is urgently needed to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure lasting stability in the region.
