As of January 7, 2024, 23,000 lives have been lost in the Israel–Hamas conflict, with devastating impacts on Gaza and Israel. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, widespread physical destruction, psychological trauma, and regional instability.
Casualties: On October 7, 2023, 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 764 civilians, were killed. Since then, over 20,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza have lost their lives. Additionally, 320 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank by the Israeli military and settlers.
Humanitarian Crisis: More than 2 million people in Gaza urgently need assistance, facing severe restrictions on goods and people’s movement due to the blockade by Israel and Egypt.
Physical Destruction: Israeli airstrikes and shelling have damaged or destroyed over 50,000 housing units, 400 schools, 50 health facilities, and 280 water and sanitation facilities, causing a dire situation for about 300,000 people.
Psychological Trauma: The war has inflicted immense psychological distress, especially on children, with over 1.6 million people in Gaza needing mental health support services.
Regional Instability: The conflict has heightened tensions and violence in the region, threatening peace and security. It has led to protests and clashes in various areas, widening divisions among factions and undermining international peace efforts.
In conclusion, the war in Gaza is a tragic human ordeal that must end promptly. The people of Gaza deserve to live in dignity, freedom, and peace.