Monday marks the first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war, the deadliest conflict in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle. War began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, prompting the Israeli government to declare war in response. Since that fateful day, thousands have been reported killed or injured, with Israel’s stated objective being the complete dismantlement of Hamas while attempting to minimize civilian casualties.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
As conflict rages on, a severe humanitarian crisis has unfolded in Gaza. The region is facing a collapse of its healthcare system, exacerbated by severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. United Nations has warned of a worsening famine situation affecting the population in Gaza.
To commemorate this tragic anniversary, ABC News will air special coverage titled “Oct 7th: Race to Survive” on Monday, focusing on the perspectives of those impacted by the ongoing crisis.
Human Toll: By Numbers
the toll of conflict has been staggering:
- In Israel: Over 1,200 people have lost their lives, including around 800 civilians, 346 members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and 66 police officers. Approximately 8,700 individuals have sustained injuries during the conflict.
- In Gaza: Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health reports more than 41,000 deaths and over 96,700 injuries as of October 3. Additionally, the United Nations estimates that around 10,000 individuals may be buried under rubble, suggesting the actual death toll could be significantly higher.
Hostages in Gaza
During the initial attack, Hamas militants took nearly 250 hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals, into Gaza. As of October 3, 112 hostages have been released, primarily through swaps for prisoners in Israel, with the largest release occurring on November 24, 2023. However, 97 hostages remain in Gaza, including bodies of at least 33 individuals believed to be deceased. IDF has recovered the remains of 37 hostages to date.
Collapse of Healthcare System
Before the conflict erupted, Gaza had 36 operational hospitals. As of August 30, 19 of the hospitals ceased functioning, and the remaining 17 are only partially operational. Currently, we are no fully functional hospitals, significantly hindering medical care for civilians. Aid agencies have reported that medical personnel have faced attacks, forcing evacuations and further compromising healthcare access.
Dr. Amber Alayyan, a medical program manager for Médecins Sans Frontières, highlighted the dire situation, noting that medical staff have been forced to perform surgeries without anesthesia and have witnessed preventable deaths due to resource shortages. Israel claims that Hamas utilizes hospitals for military activities, a claim denied by Hamas.
Aid to Gaza
Since the onset of the conflict, more than 1 million tons of aid have entered Gaza, predominantly food supplies, according to Israel’s Civil Department of Coordination of Government Activities in Territories. However, over 100,000 metric tons of food remain stranded outside Gaza due to access restrictions and a breakdown of law and order. While U.N. experts have indicated a famine has spread throughout Gaza, Israel refutes claims of famine conditions.
Ongoing conflict continues to impose a devastating toll on both Israelis and Palestinians, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalating alongside military operations. As war enters its second year, the international community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that addresses dire humanitarian needs while ensuring security for all affected.
