The ongoing war has resulted in substantial loss of life and widespread destruction. Reports indicate that around 45,717 Palestinians have been killed since the hostilities started
By Dr. Syed Mohammad Raghib
Over the past 457 days, the Gaza Strip—one of the most densely inhabited regions on Earth—has seen unheard-of levels of bloodshed and destruction. A territory that had already been severely damaged by years of fighting is now on the verge of disintegrating. Entire communities have been destroyed, forty thousand innocent civilians have died, and there is little prospect for a sustainable future. The startling death toll, the continued genocide-like conditions, and the millions of people who are sleeping hungry, along with the conspicuous lack of successful international involvement to save humanity in Gaza, are all highlighted in this article.
The Degree of Human Death and Devastation
Gaza is currently experiencing unheard-of levels of destruction. Since the escalation of violence, over 45,717 Palestinians have been reported killed, with nearly 70% being women and children, according to data provided by international humanitarian agencies. Over 100,000 injuries have left thousands disabled, with little access to rehabilitation or medical care. Additionally, approximately 1.7 million Palestinians, more than 80% of Gaza’s population, have been displaced, fleeing homes that no longer exist. These figures indicate the enormous scale of the calamity. Seventy percent of all residential infrastructures have been destroyed or severely damaged, according to the UN. Targeted attacks have caused vital utilities like water systems, schools, and hospitals to collapse. As illness outbreaks threaten, reports show that 96% of Gaza’s water is unsafe for human consumption, posing serious public health issues.
Living Under a Blockade: A Humanitarian Catastrophe
Since 2006, for 17 years, Gaza has been under an oppressive embargo, resulting in terrible humanitarian conditions that have only become worse as the destruction continues. The people are confined in what numerous human rights organisations have referred to as the greatest open-air prison in the world because the blockade prevents them from importing necessities, including food, medication, fuel, and building supplies. Moreover, over 90% of Gazans are living below the poverty level as of early 2024, and 45% experience daily food insecurity. About 1.2 million people get food assistance from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), but recent increases have made it more difficult to administer aid, worsening hunger and misery. The problem is further highlighted by the breakdown of Gaza’s healthcare system. Healthcare professionals struggle to deliver care in the face of acute shortages of energy, medical supplies, and life-saving medications, as 70% of hospitals are closed. International organisations caution that this sustained disregard violates international humanitarian law and amounts to deliberate humanitarian deprivation.
The Role of the International Community: Words without Action
The international community has mostly done little in the face of glaring evidence of grave human rights abuses and conditions that many experts believe resemble genocide. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other powerful governments have not enforced ceasefires or held those guilty for indiscriminate assaults on civilians accountable. Despite appeals for a rapid ceasefire from 79 nations, significant resolutions have been repeatedly thwarted by geopolitical rivalry. Humanitarian aid is further delayed by powerful parties who claim alliances and security concerns as justifications for their inactivity. Furthermore, attacking civilians is forbidden by international humanitarian law; nonetheless, investigations have frequently shown violations of this rule with no repercussions. The continuous devastation has been denounced as “indiscriminate” and potentially amounting to war crimes by groups such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Global justice is still elusive, nevertheless, because political and jurisdictional barriers plague international courts such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Economic Collapse: A Region with No Means to Recover
The economy of Gaza is in ruins. During the devastation, pre-existing issues, such as a 45% unemployment rate, have increased dramatically, reaching 60% as of early 2024. Residents no longer have any financial stability because the majority of companies have been destroyed or are unable to function. The World Bank claims that Gaza’s economy has experienced one of the quickest economic disasters in modern history, dropping by more than 40% in less than two years. Important industries, including industry, fishery, and agriculture, have been completely destroyed. Gaza’s need for humanitarian help is still growing rapidly, and its export potential is still nonexistent. The anticipated cost of rebuilding Gaza is more than $15 billion, and it is increasing every day as new housing and infrastructure are destroyed. According to experts, unless there is quick international involvement, it may take decades for any kind of recovery. In addition to making Gazan households poor, the lack of a functional economy crushes aspirations for long-term growth and financial autonomy.
Psychological Impact: A Generation Lost
The psychological toll on Gaza’s populace is just as terrible as the physical devastation. Trauma and mental health crises are particularly acute for the youth of the region, who make up 65% of the population. More than 90% of Gaza’s children experience trauma symptoms, such as nightmares, extreme anxiety, and emotional disengagement, according to UNICEF. Children live through the relentless noise of bombardments, the loss of family members, and the devastation of homes and schools in a war zone where there is no break. A vital component of every promising future, education is essentially unattainable. The UN reports, that over 350 schools have been destroyed or severely damaged, depriving over 500,000 students of formal education. One cannot undervalue the influence on generations. This psychological trauma has the potential to have long-term effects, depriving a whole generation of security, education, and opportunities for success.
The World’s Role in Saving Humanity: A Call to Action
The silence around the world is still deafening as Gaza’s destruction continues into its 483rd day. To rebuild trust in mankind, leaders and international organisations must take on the humanitarian issue head-on. Three main priorities need to be addressed right away:
Immediate Ceasefire: To stop violence against civilians and stop more deaths, a permanent, well-watched ceasefire must be enforced.
Humanitarian Corridor: Providing unimpeded humanitarian access to provide individuals in dire need with life-saving food, water, and medical assistance is known as the Humanitarian Corridor.
Reconstruction and Economic Revival: Rebuilding infrastructure, boosting the economy, and giving Gazans long-term opportunity must be the main goals of concerted international efforts.
Conclusion
An eerie reminder of humanity’s inability to save innocent lives is Gaza. The problem has gone unchecked for far too long, as evidenced by the devastating death toll, humanitarian collapse, and infrastructural destruction. Humanitarian organisations have persisted in providing crucial help in situations where international actors have hesitated, yet their efforts are insufficient in the absence of tangible global engagement. The basic question still stands after 457 days of devastation and genocide: where is the world in terms of protecting humanity? While the international world waits for significant action, the people of Gaza cannot suffer any longer. It is time to put people above politics and take urgent action to end the suffering in the area, restore broken lives, and clear the path for a fair and peaceful future.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect News 360’s editorial stance.
Author/Writer: Dr Syed Mohammad Raghib
PhD. Research Scholar from JNU, Delhi
