In the shadow of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, Palestinians in Gaza are grappling with a growing fear of being forgotten. Nearly a year after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, the situation in this densely populated strip of land remains dire, with 90% of its population displaced and living in challenging conditions.
Nezar Zaqout, one of the 1.9 million Palestinians forced to flee their homes, expressed concern that the focus on the Israel-Lebanon border conflict might overshadow Gaza's humanitarian crisis. "We have become completely forgotten," he lamented, reflecting the sentiments of many in the region.
The Gaza Strip, a territory of approximately 365 square kilometers, has been under immense strain. With limited natural resources and a population growth rate among the highest globally, the impact of the conflict has been catastrophic. The territory's infrastructure, already fragile due to years of blockade, has been severely damaged, with researchers estimating that nearly 60% of buildings have likely been affected since the war's onset.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is particularly dire in areas like Muwasi, a sprawling tent camp along the southern coast. Recent rains have exacerbated the already difficult living conditions, with residents struggling to navigate mud-filled pathways and salvage their meager possessions. This crisis is compounded by Gaza's chronic water scarcity and quality issues, which have been a long-standing problem for the territory.
"The entire kitchen in which we prepare food was filled with water. We did not know what to do. This is the beginning of winter. What will happen in the coming days?"
The conflict has taken a severe toll on Gaza's population. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 95,000 wounded since October 7, 2023. The ministry reports that over half of the casualties were women and children, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians.
Gaza's healthcare system, already strained due to years of conflict and blockade, is struggling to cope with the influx of injured. The territory's education system has also been significantly impacted, disrupting the lives of its predominantly young population, which has a median age of just 18 years.
The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza share similar concerns about fading international attention. Udi Goren, a relative of a hostage, expressed worry that the focus on the northern border conflict might lead to the hostages being "completely left alone without anyone to bring them out."
Efforts to broker a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas appear to have stalled, with both sides accusing each other of negotiating in bad faith. The lack of progress in diplomatic efforts has dimmed hopes for a resolution, leaving the future of Gaza uncertain.
The task of rebuilding Gaza will be monumental. The UN estimated in the summer of 2024 that removing the approximately 40 million tons of rubble would take 15 years. This challenge is further complicated by Gaza's limited electricity supply and the restrictions on its fishing industry due to naval blockades.
As the conflict approaches its one-year mark, the international community faces the challenge of maintaining focus on Gaza's humanitarian crisis while addressing the broader regional tensions. The plight of Gaza's population, living amidst the ruins of their homes and struggling with basic necessities, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged conflict in one of the world's most troubled regions.