69,000 dead, 1.9 million homeless, a stark look at Gaza after two years of war

It has been exactly two years since Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The assault triggered Israel’s massive retaliatory offensive in Gaza, which continues even today. Over these two years, the Middle East has witnessed immense human suffering, widespread destruction, and large-scale displacement.

October 7, 2023 attack

In the early hours of that day, militants from Hamas and other Palestinian groups crossed into southern Israel by paragliders, motorbikes, and on foot, breaching border fences. They attacked kibbutzim (collective farms), a music festival, and military bases, while Hamas simultaneously launched rocket strikes into Israel.

Around 1,200 Israelis were killed, most of them civilians marking the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

Hamas captured 251 people, including women, children, and foreign nationals. As of now, over 45 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza.

Hamas fighters used guns, grenades, and arson. At the Supernova Music Festival, 360 people were killed. Hamas named the operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

Israel immediately launched airstrikes, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Operation Iron Swords. The attack left thousands injured and plunged the nation into mourning.

A week later, on October 27, 2023, Israel began a ground offensive in Gaza, aimed at eliminating Hamas and rescuing hostages. However, the operation resulted in massive devastation across the enclave.

Current situation

Israeli Military has lost 454 soldiers, 2,840 injured.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 69,100 people have been killed, the majority being women and children.

The UN estimates that 90% of homes have been damaged or destroyed, leaving 1.9 million people homeless.

About 80% of Gaza has been affected. As many as 151,000 injuries have been recorded from continuous bombardments. Schools, hospitals, and relief centres have been hit, killing 875 people.

Continuous airstrikes and ground invasions have killed more than 12,000 Hamas fighters, according to Israeli claims though the civilian toll remains a global concern.

Even after two years, the war shows no signs of ending. Memorial ceremonies were held across Israel on the second anniversary of the attack, while anger among the families of hostages continues to grow.

In September, US President Donald Trump presented a 20-point peace plan, urging Hamas to disarm and allow humanitarian aid to resume. However, Hamas rejected the proposal, leaving the region locked in a prolonged conflict.

And currently indirect talks between Israel and Hamas delegations commenced Monday in Egypt to discuss a framework for the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, Egypt’s state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV reported.