Two Years of Conflict: Assessing the Extent of Israel’s Impact on Gaza’s Infrastructure and Population

Gaza Conflict Reaches 731 Days: Destruction, displacement, and Rising Hunger

October 27, 2024

The Gaza Strip is grappling with a deepening crisis as the conflict enters its 731st day. Prolonged bombardment,widespread hunger,and recurring displacement have become the harsh realities for Palestinians across the territory. The ongoing hostilities have resulted in a staggering loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure.

The Scale of Devastation

According to recent data from the Gaza Health Ministry, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 67,000 Palestinians and left nearly 170,000 seriously injured. These figures stem from the events following the Hamas-led attacks on Southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken, as reported by Israeli authorities.

Analysis of satellite imagery conducted by researchers at Oregon State University reveals that approximately 60 percent of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged as of October 2, 2024. This represents a significant increase from the roughly 13 percent recorded in November 2023, shortly after the start of the offensive.

Gaza City and the surrounding Gaza governorate have been especially hard hit, with around 74 percent of buildings sustaining damage or complete destruction.Recent offensives in Gaza City have reportedly led to the targeting and demolition of hundreds more structures in the past month.

Area	Percentage of Buildings Damaged/Destroyed (As of Oct. 2, 2024)
Gaza Strip (Overall)	60%
Gaza City & Governorate	74%
UN estimate (July 8)	78%

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has characterized the recent actions in Gaza City as “systematic destruction.”

Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict has triggered repeated waves of displacement. Approximately one million Palestinians returned to their homes in Gaza City during a temporary ceasefire from January 19 to March 1, only to be forced to flee again last month when Israel launched a major offensive, ordering a mass evacuation. Despite the evacuation order, hundreds of thousands remain, citing a lack of alternatives and resources.

“Whether people are staying in Gaza city because they have nowhere else to go, lack the means to flee amidst a dire shortage of fuel and shelter, or cannot bear yet another humiliating displacement… Israel cannot be allowed to deny civilians in Gaza City the protection they are entitled to,” stated Erika Guevara Rosas, amnesty International’s senior director.

The escalation of displacement began in early September with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeting high-rise buildings. Many residents, like Murad Banat, 50, have lost everything. Banat recounted the destruction of his homes and shop, forcing him to seek refuge in Deir al-Balah.

Islam Atallah, 32, described the challenging journey on foot with his family to Deir al-Balah after his home was surrounded by Israeli military forces. “it’s difficult to live in a house,then suddenly be in a tent… there is no good life here,” he shared.

Did You Know? The destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system has been described by UN experts as “medicide” – the intentional destruction of a people’s capacity to heal.

Healthcare System on the brink

Only 14 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza were partially functioning as of October 1, according to the UN. Eight of these remaining hospitals are located in Gaza City, which is the focal point for nearly half of the territory’s hospital and field hospital capacity.

Debris from the bombardment exceeds 41,946,018 metric tonnes, an 83 percent increase from January 2024 and 14 times greater than the total from all conflicts over the past 16 years, a July 2024 UN assessment revealed.

The Rising Toll of Hunger and Death

As of July 15, the UN reported that nearly half (46 percent) of the 67,160 Palestinians killed in the conflict were women and children. Concerns are mounting that the actual death toll is significantly undercounted. A study published in the Lancet suggested the number of fatalities could be 40 percent higher than officially reported.

An inquiry by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call into Israeli military intelligence data indicated that approximately 8,900 confirmed or probable hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters accounted for only 17 percent of the total deaths, suggesting that 83 percent were civilians.

Pro Tip: Access reliable humanitarian aid details at the UN Office for the Coordination of humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In 2025,hunger-related deaths have risen significantly,particularly after an 11-week blockade on humanitarian aid between March and May. An August analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) found over half a million people in Gaza facing famine conditions. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 460 Palestinians have died of malnutrition or starvation as of Sunday, including 154 children.

hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while attempting to access aid hubs, with human rights groups accusing Israel of routinely opening fire on civilians seeking assistance.

Understanding the Long-Term Impacts

The current crisis in Gaza is not merely a humanitarian tragedy; it represents a significant setback for regional stability and long-term peace efforts. The scale of destruction and displacement will require significant international investment in reconstruction and rehabilitation. Addressing the underlying political and economic factors that contribute to the conflict is crucial for preventing future cycles of violence.

the ongoing conflict also raises critical questions about international law and the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Ensuring accountability for alleged war crimes and violations of human rights is essential for upholding the principles of justice and preventing impunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current situation in Gaza?

The Gaza Strip is facing a severe humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread destruction, displacement, and a shortage of essential resources.

How many people have been killed in the conflict?

Over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, and nearly 170,000 injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

What percentage of buildings in Gaza have been damaged?

Approximately 60 percent of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged.

What is the status of hospitals in Gaza?

Only 14 out of 36 hospitals remain partially functional.

What are the main causes of death in Gaza currently?

Deaths are occurring as an inevitable result of Israeli attacks,malnutrition,and starvation.

What do you think is the best path forward for a lasting resolution to the conflict in Gaza? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What specific restrictions on the import of construction materials most significantly hinder Gaza’s reconstruction efforts?

the Devastation of Critical Infrastructure

over the past two years,the Gaza Strip has experienced repeated cycles of conflict,resulting in widespread destruction of vital infrastructure. The impact extends far beyond immediate casualties, creating a long-term humanitarian crisis. Assessing the damage requires a detailed look at key sectors:

* Power Supply: Gaza’s already fragile power grid has been repeatedly targeted. Damage to power plants and substations has led to chronic electricity shortages, impacting hospitals, water treatment facilities, and homes. Rolling blackouts are a daily reality for the vast majority of Gazans. The reliance on external power sources, primarily from Israel, makes the Strip vulnerable to disruptions.

* Water and sanitation: Access to clean water is severely limited. Bombing campaigns have damaged water pipelines, wells, and sewage treatment plants. This has led to widespread water contamination and increased the risk of waterborne diseases.According to UN reports,over 97% of Gaza’s water is unfit for human consumption.

* Healthcare System: Hospitals and clinics have been directly hit during conflicts, and even those remaining functional are overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties and lack of essential supplies. The blockade restricts the import of medical equipment,pharmaceuticals,and qualified personnel. This has crippled Gaza’s ability to provide adequate healthcare, leading to preventable deaths and suffering.

* Housing: Thousands of homes have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. The lack of construction materials, due to restrictions on imports, hinders reconstruction efforts. Displacement is a major issue, with many Gazans living in temporary shelters or overcrowded conditions.

* Transportation Networks: Roads,bridges,and the gaza International Airport (rendered largely unusable years ago) have suffered significant damage,hindering the movement of people and goods. This impacts access to essential services and economic opportunities.

Impact on the Population: A Humanitarian Crisis

The consequences of the conflict extend far beyond physical infrastructure. The population of Gaza, over 2 million people, has endured immense suffering.

Public Health crisis

* Trauma and Mental Health: Prolonged exposure to violence and loss has resulted in widespread trauma and mental health issues, especially among children. access to mental health services is severely limited.

* Food Insecurity: Restrictions on imports and damage to agricultural land have exacerbated food insecurity. A significant portion of the population relies on humanitarian aid to meet their basic food needs.

* Disease Outbreaks: Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

* Maternal and Child Health: The healthcare crisis disproportionately affects pregnant women and children, leading to higher rates of maternal mortality and malnutrition.

Socio-Economic Consequences

* Unemployment: The blockade and repeated conflicts have devastated Gaza’s economy,leading to extremely high unemployment rates – consistently above 50%.

* Poverty: A large percentage of the population lives below the poverty line, struggling to afford basic necessities.

* Education Disruption: Schools have been damaged or used as shelters, disrupting education for thousands of children. The psychological impact of the conflict also affects students’ ability to learn.

* Internal Displacement: Hundreds of thousands of Gazans have been internally displaced due to the conflict, living in overcrowded shelters or with relatives.

The Role of the Blockade and Restrictions

The ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza, imposed in 2007, significantly exacerbates the impact of the conflict. Restrictions on the movement of people and goods hinder reconstruction efforts, limit access to essential supplies, and stifle economic development.

* Import Restrictions: The blockade restricts the import of construction materials, medical supplies, and other essential goods, hindering the rebuilding of infrastructure and the provision of healthcare.

* Export Restrictions: Restrictions on exports prevent Gaza’s businesses from accessing external markets, further damaging the economy.

* Movement Restrictions: Restrictions on the movement of people limit access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

case Study: The 2023 Escalation and its Aftermath

The escalation of conflict in late 2023 resulted in particularly devastating consequences. Reports indicate widespread destruction of residential buildings, hospitals, and infrastructure in densely populated areas.The scale of the damage overwhelmed Gaza’s already strained resources, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. The aftermath continues to be felt, with ongoing challenges in providing basic services and rebuilding infrastructure. Yle.fi has provided consistent coverage of these events, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

Long-Term Implications and Future Outlook

The cumulative impact of two years of conflict and the ongoing blockade has created a deeply entrenched humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Without a lasting resolution to the conflict and a lifting of the blockade,the situation is likely to deteriorate further.

* reconstruction Challenges: Rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure will require significant international investment and a lifting of restrictions on the import of construction materials.

* Economic Recovery: Revitalizing Gaza’s economy will require easing restrictions on trade and investment, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable development.

* Addressing Trauma: Providing mental health support to the population,particularly children,is crucial for addressing the long-term psychological impact of the conflict.

* Sustainable Solutions: Finding sustainable solutions to the water and energy crises is essential for improving the quality of life for Gazans.