World
October 28, 2024 12:00
tel aviv - Israel's year-long large-scale invasion of Gaza in order to prevent another October 7 has left little of the Palestinian territory remaining.
Israel's ground offensive in Gaza continues to this day. Despite fewer soldiers present in Gaza than before, Israeli forces have been engaging in combat in various parts of the strip in recent days. Meanwhile, talks for a ceasefire and a deal to release hostages have resumed in Qatar after a two-month hiatus. The hope is that the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could provide a breakthrough in the discussions, but so far, the divide between Israel and Hamas seems insurmountable. Thus, an end to the war remains elusive.
The current situation is dire for Gaza and its residents. Healthcare is in shambles, most towns and villages have been pulverized, and the economy is in ruins. The numbers paint a grim picture.
Hamas claims that over 42,000 people have died in the past year, without distinguishing between their fighters and civilians. Israel, while cautiously questioning these figures, does not refute them outright, stating they have killed over 17,000 terrorists themselves.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 10,000 bodies are still buried under the massive piles of debris, visible to all. Satellite images show that two-thirds of buildings in Gaza, including nearly 230,000 homes, have been damaged or destroyed.
Nearly 1.9 million out of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced in the past year, fleeing through ravaged roads as 70 percent of the road network is severely damaged. Even without active combat, travel remains perilous due to tens of thousands of unexploded bombs and other ordnance littering Gaza.
The amount of debris is almost unimaginable: 4.5 million kilograms. The strip is completely isolated, preventing the removal of rubble and waste. Even if borders were to open in the future, it is estimated to take fifteen years to clear all the debris.
This is not to mention the reconstruction efforts, which the UN estimates could span several decades, potentially up to eighty years at the current pace. Costs are expected to run into tens of billions. The Gulf states are likely the only ones capable and willing to foot the bill, but they demand a clear condition: a realistic prospect for a Palestinian state. This seems unlikely in the near future.
The Israeli government has yet to outline a future plan for Gaza, with calls for (partial) annexation of Gaza currently overshadowing Palestinian self-governance. Despite heavy criticism from the US, Israel has already 'claimed' a portion of Gaza for a kilometer-deep buffer zone to prevent future border breaches by terrorists. However, this has reduced the usable area for Gazans by over 15 percent, as noted by Amnesty.
The future appears bleak for the war-weary population, still largely under Hamas control. While support for the movement dwindles, there is currently no viable Palestinian alternative to the terrorist group. A recent poll indicates that a majority of Gazans now disapprove of the October 7 attack, although 39 percent continue to support it despite the hardships.
A lost generation is emerging in Gaza. Schools are closed, jobs are scarce. A recent UN report revealed agricultural and industrial production has plummeted by 93 percent and 92 percent respectively. Unemployment in the first quarter of this year surpassed 80 percent and has since risen.
The UN Conference on Trade and Development report issues a dire warning, stating, 'The extensive damage will set back human development by decades and undermine the formation of human capital for future generations. The sustained damage from a lack of healthcare and education facilities, lost school years, traumas, and various forms of disabilities will have severe long-term implications on health, productivity, employment prospects, and quality of life.'
However, the population is currently focused on short-term survival, especially with winter fast approaching.