The Hamas-Israel conflict is no stranger to the news, and its effects can be seen in several different ways. For instance, since the recent invention of the attack by Hamas on Israel, the number of casualties, those kidnapped, and more have been rising. In this article, we take a look at some of these numbers to gain an insight into the effect of the conflict.
The first statistic to consider is the number of casualties. According to the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem, over 1300 lives were lost due to the escalation of violence in Gaza during the most recent conflict. This includes 200 people who are considered non-combatants, such as children, medics, and journalists. The families of the victims are often left to pick up the pieces and continue trying to rebuild their lives. This is not easy in a conflict as devastating as this one.
Next, there are the numbers of Palestinians who were kidnapped by the Israeli military during the attacks. According to a report by the Palestinian Authority, 4,600 people were taken captive with no contact with their families and no legal proceedings. This type of punitive action is inhumane and unjust, yet it has continued in the name of “security.”
The third set of numbers comes from those who are suffering from injuries due to the bombardment. UNICEF estimates that more than 19,000 people in Gaza have been wounded, many of whom are children who are in critical need of medical care. Unfortunately, the healthcare system in the region is severely limited, and hospital resources are stretched thin, leaving those in desperate need of help left to fend for themselves.
Finally, we must consider the economic toll. Since the beginning of the conflict, it is estimated that the Palestinian GDP has dropped by 70%, leaving a majority of people in extreme poverty. This can put even more stress on those who are already dealing with physical and psychological trauma due to the trauma of the war.
The escalation of violence in the Hamas-Israel conflict has had a devastating effect on the lives of many people. The numbers of casualties, those kidnapped, those wounded, and those struggling to survive economically make this conflict more pressing than ever. We must continue to push for de-escalation and a just resolution to the conflict in order to ensure that these numbers do not become tragically higher.