Aftermath of Israel’s Genocidal War in Gaza: A Year Later

Gaza bombed by Israel

BANDUNG, SEATIZENS – The conflict in Gaza, Palestine, has resulted in one of the 21st century’s most devastating wars. It has caused 41,825 casualties, injured 96,910 people, and left over 10,000 missing. This impact affects almost every aspect of life in Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes have heavily damaged the educational infrastructure. More than 354 civilians died in attacks on schools used as shelters. Additionally, 718,000 students in Gaza have faced disruptions to their education due to the destruction of 456 schools, universities, and other educational institutions.

UNICEF reported that in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, movement restrictions and rising violence since 2023 affected 782,000 students. Many schools closed, leading to approximately 45,000 children missing their first year of school. Around 625,000 others face the risk of losing two consecutive academic years.

Environmental Destruction

Bangkok Post - Israel and Gaza at war


The war has caused significant environmental damage, defined as “ecocide.” This term refers to large-scale destruction that threatens life. During reconstruction, Gaza could produce 60 million metric tons of carbon emissions, exceeding the annual emissions of 26 countries. The UN estimates that cleaning nearly 40 million metric tons of debris will require over 15 years and cost between USD 500-600 million.

Israeli attacks have destroyed thousands of homes and vital infrastructure in Gaza. UNRWA data shows that 297,000 housing units sustained damage, with 87,000 completely destroyed. The estimated cost of infrastructure damage reaches USD 18.5 billion, with 72% linked to housing. Approximately 1.9 million residents of Gaza have fled, with many displaced multiple times.

Devastated Health Services

Israel Military in Gaza


The WHO reports that Israeli forces conducted 516 attacks on health facilities in Gaza. These attacks killed 765 people, damaged 110 health facilities, and destroyed 115 ambulances. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, 619 similar attacks harmed 56 health facilities and 444 ambulances, resulting in 25 deaths and 111 injuries.

Israeli strikes also targeted vital cultural heritage sites. UNESCO reported that bombing damaged 69 sites, including 10 religious sites, 43 historical buildings, six monuments, and seven archaeological locations.

The war in Gaza has inflicted severe damage across various sectors, including education, the environment, and cultural heritage. A year after the conflict, Gaza still struggles to recover from this extensive destruction, facing significant challenges in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

(Firyal Trinidad/)

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