The war in the Gaza Strip has entered its third year, making it the longest conflict in Israel’s history since 1948, when the state was founded. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is increasingly critical, and the number of victims and destroyed infrastructure has reached unimaginable proportions.
Mass civilian casualties
It is estimated that more than 67.000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, the majority of whom are civilians, including at least 20.000 children, which makes up about 2% of Gaza’s child population. Entire families have been wiped out in single airstrikes, and sometimes only one person survives, most often a child. In total, nearly 170.000 people have been wounded, while thousands are still considered missing – killed under the rubble, dead from disease, hunger, or detained in secret prisons.
Many victims were never officially recorded and include deaths from disease, malnutrition, suicide, or other consequences of the war. The standard of living and life expectancy in Gaza have significantly declined, and medical research estimates suggest that life expectancy may have been reduced by half during the first year of the conflict.
Blockade and humanitarian catastrophe
During the conflict, Israel controlled and restricted the inflow of food, medicine, and other supplies into the Gaza Strip, including a total blockade from March to May 2025, claiming that Hamas was diverting aid for military purposes. Although restrictions were later eased under international pressure, famine was declared in parts of Gaza in August.
The United Nations (UN) and independent experts assessed that the number of casualties and the scale of destruction in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide, which Israel disputes. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israel, in which about 1.200 people were killed, while 251 people were taken hostage.
Destroyed infrastructure and mass displacement
Almost all Palestinians in Gaza have been forced to flee, often multiple times. Cities have been turned into ruins, and witnesses describe “post-apocalyptic landscapes” and “hell on earth.” It is estimated that 78% of approximately 250.000 buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, creating 61 million tons of debris, 15% of which is contaminated with asbestos and industrial waste.
Currently, about 2.1 million people, or 95% of the population, are displaced. Many now live in temporary tent settlements and overcrowded shelters, with minimal access to clean water and sanitation. More than a million people lack sufficient water, while 500.000 people drink less than nine liters a day, only a tenth of the amount available before the war.
Collapse of the health system
Of Gaza’s 36 hospitals, only 14 are partially functioning. More than 16 field hospitals providing basic medical care are often overwhelmed, with bed occupancy at 240% in al-Shifa and 300% in al-Ahli hospital. So far, 917 medical workers have been killed and 1.411 wounded in Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities. The lack of medicine and medical equipment further worsens the situation.
Hunger, shortages, and destruction
It is estimated that since the beginning of the conflict, 400 deaths due to malnutrition have been recorded, including 101 children. Tens of thousands of children are included in emergency feeding programs. Almost all agricultural production has been destroyed: 97% of fruit trees, 95% of shrubs, and 82% of annual crops. Only 1.5% of the land is currently suitable for cultivation.
The UN declared famine in parts of Gaza in August. A large amount of delivered food has been looted or is inaccessible due to impassable areas, while prices in shops are now unaffordable for most of the population.
Education in collapse
Since October 2023, 745.000 students have been left without school, including 88.000 higher education students. More than 90% of school buildings, 79% of universities, and 60% of vocational training centers have been destroyed or damaged. Some UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools have been turned into shelters for displaced people, but are often targets of airstrikes.
Long-term consequences and the environment
The war has inflicted serious damage on cultural and natural heritage: medieval mosques, Ottoman markets, churches, and historical sites have been damaged or destroyed. Environmentalists warn that toxic residues from munitions and fires are contaminating the soil and water, endangering the health of future generations.
UN reports state that the conflict in Gaza is leading to a humanitarian, health, and environmental catastrophe that will have long-term consequences.
