Over the last 15 months, the Gaza Strip has experienced severe destruction due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, affecting nearly every aspect of life. The United Nations warns of a long recovery ahead, with significant damage to infrastructure, food insecurity, and soaring poverty levels.
Gaza Strip: Life Transformations Amid 15 Months of War
Gaza Strip: Life Transformations Amid 15 Months of War
A comparative analysis of the impact of ongoing conflict in Gaza, revealing the devastating changes to infrastructure, economy, and civilian life.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip has led to drastic changes in life for its 2.2 million residents, as outlined in a recent report highlighting the impact of 15 months of warfare. A ceasefire deal has been reached, but the devastation inflicted since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, continues to be felt. The humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by Israel's military operations aimed at weakening Hamas, has resulted in a staggering death toll, with over 46,600 Palestinians reportedly killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The geographical landscape of Gaza has altered significantly, with widespread destruction reported across northern and southern areas. Civilian infrastructure has suffered immense damage, with an estimated 60% of buildings impacted. Urban centers like Gaza City have faced particular destruction, leaving a large portion of the population homeless. Experts from CUNY and Oregon State University found that more than 160,000 housing units have been destroyed, and an additional 276,000 were significantly damaged.
In the face of this turmoil, an overwhelming majority of displaced individuals now reside in makeshift shelters or overcrowded UN facilities, as access to safe living conditions diminishes. The UN reported that approximately 1.2 million people are currently sheltering in al-Mawasi, which is characterized by a lack of fundamental infrastructure and services. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by severe food insecurity affecting 1.8 million people, with many facing malnutrition levels that are alarmingly higher than before the war.
Economically, the situation is dire, as evidenced by the World Bank's assessment of an 86% contraction in Gaza's economy in early 2024, marking unprecedented levels of poverty impacting nearly the entire population. The financial ramifications of destruction are staggering, estimated to cost around $18.5 billion, far surpassing Gaza's GDP from 2022. Despite international aid efforts, the blockade continues to disrupt necessary deliveries, with only a fraction of the needed supplies reaching those in need.
Healthcare facilities remain crippled, with only 18 out of 36 hospitals operational. The United Nations' World Health Organization highlights the dire conditions, as critical medical infrastructure struggles to cope with the enormity of healthcare needs. Environmental concerns also arise as waste accumulates, exacerbating sanitation crises, and the rebuilding effort could span decades due to the extensive damage inflicted.
The hope for peace amid the resumed ceasefire is tempered by the acknowledgment of a long, arduous journey to recovery and reconstruction. A multiple perspective approach to the ongoing crisis reveals significant political, socio-economic, and humanitarian challenges still ahead for the residents of Gaza.
The geographical landscape of Gaza has altered significantly, with widespread destruction reported across northern and southern areas. Civilian infrastructure has suffered immense damage, with an estimated 60% of buildings impacted. Urban centers like Gaza City have faced particular destruction, leaving a large portion of the population homeless. Experts from CUNY and Oregon State University found that more than 160,000 housing units have been destroyed, and an additional 276,000 were significantly damaged.
In the face of this turmoil, an overwhelming majority of displaced individuals now reside in makeshift shelters or overcrowded UN facilities, as access to safe living conditions diminishes. The UN reported that approximately 1.2 million people are currently sheltering in al-Mawasi, which is characterized by a lack of fundamental infrastructure and services. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by severe food insecurity affecting 1.8 million people, with many facing malnutrition levels that are alarmingly higher than before the war.
Economically, the situation is dire, as evidenced by the World Bank's assessment of an 86% contraction in Gaza's economy in early 2024, marking unprecedented levels of poverty impacting nearly the entire population. The financial ramifications of destruction are staggering, estimated to cost around $18.5 billion, far surpassing Gaza's GDP from 2022. Despite international aid efforts, the blockade continues to disrupt necessary deliveries, with only a fraction of the needed supplies reaching those in need.
Healthcare facilities remain crippled, with only 18 out of 36 hospitals operational. The United Nations' World Health Organization highlights the dire conditions, as critical medical infrastructure struggles to cope with the enormity of healthcare needs. Environmental concerns also arise as waste accumulates, exacerbating sanitation crises, and the rebuilding effort could span decades due to the extensive damage inflicted.
The hope for peace amid the resumed ceasefire is tempered by the acknowledgment of a long, arduous journey to recovery and reconstruction. A multiple perspective approach to the ongoing crisis reveals significant political, socio-economic, and humanitarian challenges still ahead for the residents of Gaza.
