Gaza's Transformation: 15 Months of Conflict Leave Lasting Scars

As the Gaza Strip celebrates a tentative ceasefire after 15 months of intense conflict, the territory grapples with overwhelming destruction and a humanitarian crisis, with estimates showing nearly 60% of buildings damaged or destroyed and the population severely affected by poverty and food insecurity.

In January, after 15 grueling months of warfare, Gaza's precarious situation takes center stage as a ceasefire has been reached following relentless bombardment and ground invasions by Israel. This conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack, leading to Israel responding with a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas’s capabilities. The Israeli strikes have resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and around 251 hostages taken. Conversely, the Hamas-run health ministry claims over 46,600 Palestinians have lost their lives in the fighting.

As a fragile peace is sought, the United Nations warns that Gaza may take years, even decades, to recover from this extensive devastation. The initial focus of Israeli military actions was northern Gaza, particularly hard-hit areas like Beit Hanoun, which were among the first affected. However, heavy bombardment soon expanded to include Gaza City and other urban centers, causing mass civilian displacement and damage to infrastructure.

According to experts from CUNY Graduate Center and Oregon State University, nearly 60% of buildings in Gaza have sustained damage, with Gaza City bearing the brunt of destruction. The UN reports that over 90% of housing units have been affected, with an estimated 160,000 completely destroyed and 276,000 severely damaged. Throughout this conflict, Hamas has countered with rocket fire into Israeli territory, igniting a cycle of violence.

The long-standing socioeconomic struggles in Gaza, intensified by the ongoing Israeli-Egyptian blockade, have turned into a humanitarian disaster. An estimated 1.8 million people currently face acute food insecurity, with conditions worsening rapidly since the war began. A reported 80% of the population already depended on humanitarian aid before the conflict escalated.

As the situation develops, the region has witnessed the rise of vast tent encampments housing displaced people who fled their homes in search of safety. The UN identifies more than 1.2 million individuals seeking refuge in the overcrowded humanitarian zones. Aid provisions, while resuming at lower rates, remain critically limited, unable to meet the immense needs created by the ongoing crisis.

The economic fallout has been catastrophic, with the World Bank noting an 86% contraction in Gaza's economy and pushing nearly the entire population into poverty. The UNCTAD estimates the damages may exceed $18.5 billion, comparing it to seven times Gaza’s gross domestic product in 2022, predicting that rebuilding efforts could stretch far into the future due to systemic restrictions imposed since 2007.

Alongside significant infrastructure damage to healthcare and sanitation systems, reports indicate that only 18 of Gaza’s hospitals are partially operational, with ongoing attacks hampering service delivery. The UN Environmental Programme stresses that considerable environmental damage will impede recovery, worrying that hazardous materials could contaminate vital resources.

In summary, as Gaza moves towards a tentative ceasefire amidst these catastrophic circumstances, significant obstacles in recovery remain, emphasizing the need for a sustained and compassionate international response to alleviate the dire situation facing millions in this war-torn region.