Gaza has suffered devastating losses as the Israeli war enters its second year. Since October 7, 2023, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 20,000 children. This means nearly one child has died every hour for two years. Gaza’s pre-war population was around 2.2 million, so 3% of its people are now dead. Thousands of others remain buried under rubble, with many missing and presumed dead.
The destruction extends beyond the death toll. Over 169,000 people have been injured, many with life-changing disabilities. UNICEF reports that 3,000 to 4,000 children have lost one or more limbs. At least 125 hospitals and clinics have been damaged or destroyed, including 34 major hospitals. Medical workers have also been targeted, with over 1,700 killed and hundreds more detained by Israeli forces.
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Gaza’s health and water systems are collapsing. Nearly 90% of water and sanitation infrastructure is damaged. Most families now survive on just 6 liters of water per day. Malnutrition and starvation are spreading fast. At least 459 people, including 154 children, have died from hunger. The UN officially declared famine in Gaza—the first such case in the Middle East.
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The war has also destroyed Gaza’s schools and homes. Ninety-two percent of homes and 88% of commercial buildings have been damaged or flattened. Over 658,000 schoolchildren and 87,000 university students can no longer attend class. More than 2,300 educational buildings have been destroyed, and many survivors now live in schools used as shelters.
Human rights groups report mass arrests, media blackouts, and dangerous conditions. More than 10,800 Palestinians are jailed by Israel, including women and children. Nearly 300 journalists have been killed in Gaza, making it the most dangerous place for reporters. The world watches as a humanitarian disaster continues to unfold with no end in sight.