The Israel-Hamas war has been ongoing for six months and has become one of the most destructive conflicts of the 21st century. Since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, Israel has been heavily bombing the Gaza Strip, displacing a majority of the population and causing many to flee to Rafah. Food shortages and famine are approaching in Gaza, and people are struggling to leave the besieged territory. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel from Gaza, while Hezbollah and other militant groups do so from southern Lebanon, leading to displacement of civilians on both sides of Israel’s borders. Hostages taken during the Oct. 7 raid are still being held by Hamas.
The conflict has resulted in a high number of casualties on both sides. Over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including more than 13,000 children, while over 1,200 people have been killed in Israel. In the West Bank and Lebanon, hundreds have also lost their lives. Civilians have been heavily impacted, with women and children making up around two-thirds of the casualties in Gaza. Many aid workers, health workers, journalists, and civilians have been killed, and the destruction and humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with over half of buildings damaged or destroyed, and a high percentage of homes likely damaged.
Israeli military forces have killed over 13,000 militants in Gaza, while hundreds of Israeli soldiers have been killed, particularly during the ground offensive. In Lebanon, about 280 militants, primarily from Hezbollah, have been killed. The damage and destruction in Gaza have led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with a large percentage of the population facing food insecurity, malnutrition, lack of access to education, and damaged infrastructure such as mosques and churches. The number of injuries on both sides is high, with thousands of Palestinians and Israelis being injured in the conflict.
The displacement of people is significant, with 1.7 million Palestinians currently displaced in Gaza, which is 70% of the population, and 90,000 Israelis displaced from border communities. Hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 raid continue to be a concern, with some being freed, others confirmed dead, and many still unaccounted for. Cease-fire talks are ongoing, but no end to the conflict is in sight. The situation remains dire for the people living in Gaza and the surrounding areas, with both Israeli and Palestinian civilians suffering the consequences of the ongoing violence and destruction.
