Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza
Gaza, Jul 2: One thousand days after the Hamas-led attack on Israel triggered the devastating war in Gaza, the conflict continues to leave millions of Palestinians trapped in a worsening humanitarian crisis, with ceasefire efforts making little progress and the region remaining deeply unstable.
Despite a ceasefire that came into effect on October 10, violence has not completely stopped. Israeli airstrikes continue almost daily, while the Gaza Health Ministry said more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began, including hundreds of women and children. Over 3,400 others have been injured.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israel's military response has since claimed more than 73,000 Palestinian lives.
The United Nations has warned that Israel's continued expansion of military-controlled areas inside Gaza has increased risks for civilians, particularly in locations without clearly marked boundaries. Israel maintains that its operations target Hamas militants and accuses the group of using civilians as human shields.
More than two million Palestinians remain displaced, living in overcrowded camps or damaged buildings with limited access to essential services. Aid agencies say humanitarian assistance remains inadequate due to strict border restrictions, delaying the delivery of food, medicines and fuel. Several hospitals in Gaza also remain non-functional.
International efforts to move beyond the ceasefire have stalled over the issue of Hamas disarmament. While the US-backed peace initiative seeks to pave the way for reconstruction and a new governance structure in Gaza, negotiations have failed to make significant headway.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to face political and security challenges. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for elections later this year amid public criticism over the government's handling of the October 2023 attacks and the prolonged conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with residents struggling to rebuild their lives amid continued uncertainty, recurring violence and limited access to basic necessities.
International organisations have reiterated calls for increased humanitarian access and a lasting political solution to end the conflict.