Conflict between Israel and Hamas: Quantifying the Humanitarian Turmoil in Gaza

Conflict between Israel and Hamas: Quantifying the Humanitarian Turmoil in Gaza

The Gaza Strip is currently in a state of crisis, with hospitals fully functional, buildings destroyed, and food scarcity a pressing issue. According to the latest reports from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 58,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023.

The conflict was triggered by a terrorist attack led by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since then, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly. As of mid-July 2025, the Gaza Ministry of Health (MoH) reports at least 58,573 Palestinians killed. The MoH's records, while comprehensive and individually documented, are considered by some independent researchers to be potentially undercounting.

International research and official reports converge on a death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, of at least 58,000 Palestinians, with some expert analyses indicating this figure could be substantially higher, potentially reaching around 80,000.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. More than 71,000 children and an estimated 17,000 mothers will require urgent treatment for acute malnutrition in the coming months. Teams from the aid organization Doctors Without Borders have noted a sharp rise in cases of "acute malnutrition" in mid-July.

Food insecurity is rampant. According to an IPC report from May 2025, the entire population of the Gaza Strip is now affected by acute food insecurity (IPC level 3). Most of the 177 community kitchens in the Gaza Strip have run out of supplies. Over 470,000 people in the Gaza Strip are at risk of catastrophic hunger (IPC level 5).

Since the end of the aid blockade on May 21, an average of 20 to 30 WFP trucks with food have reached the Gaza Strip every day. However, this is only a small fraction of what the more than 2 million people in the Gaza Strip need to survive. The 25 remaining bakeries in the Gaza Strip had to close at the beginning of April.

The war has forced many Palestinians to flee their homes. Around 90% of the more than 2 million inhabitants have fled within the territory, and some have been forced to move several times.

International pressure on Israel is growing, with 28 states calling for an end to the war. However, the conflict continues, and people are dying of hunger every day, most of them children.

Despite the challenges, nearly 40% of the points of contact for basic medical care are still operational. The resilience of the people of Gaza, in the face of such adversity, is a testament to their strength and determination.

References: [1] Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), "Gaza Strip: Humanitarian Situation Overview," 2025. [2] Gaza Ministry of Health (MoH), "Gaza Strip Mortality Report," July 15, 2025. [3] Michael Spagat, "Estimating the Death Toll in Gaza: A Critical Review of Methods and Findings," University of London, 2025. [4] United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), "Gaza Crisis: Children in Crisis," 2025. [5] World Health Organization (WHO), "Gaza Crisis: Health Situation Report," June 30, 2025.

1. The world watched in dismay as the crisis in the Gaza Strip deepened, with international governments expressing concern over the escalating conflict.
2. The European Union has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions, urging for peace and an end to the violence.
3. Scientists from various fields, including environmental science, have voiced their concern over the impacts of the conflict on the climate and overall health of the region.
4. In the midst of this chaos, workplace wellness has taken a back seat, with many people struggling to maintain a functioning workspace and focus on their work due to the constant stress and unrest.
5. As the situation worsened, chronic diseases like cancer became more prevalent, adding another layer of complexity to the already dire situation.
6. Respiratory conditions such as asthma have also seen a significant rise, exacerbated by the poor air quality caused by the bombings.
7. The Gaza Strip's already strained digestive health system has been further challenged, with many suffering from malnutrition due to food scarcity.
8. Eye health is another concern, with the shortage of medical supplies and care providers adding to the growing list of health issues.
9. Hearing loss has been documented among those who have been exposed to loud explosions, placing a burden on an already overstretched healthcare system.
10. The health and wellness industry has rallied to provide aid, with numerous organizations offering their expertise and resources to help alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
11. Fitness and exercise programs have been initiated to help boost the physical and mental health of the population, providing a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.
12. Sexual health has also been impacted, with an increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections due to the displacement of people and disruption of healthcare services.
13. Autoimmune disorders have become a growing concern, with weakened immune systems putting many at risk due to the unsanitary living conditions.
14. As the conflict rages on, climate change has become a pressing issue, with experts warning of the long-term impacts on the environment and overall health of the region.
15. Mental health is a critical concern, with many suffering from trauma, anxiety, and depression due to the constant violence and uncertainty.
16. Men's health, typically a less-discussed topic, has garnered attention, with various organizations aiming to address the unique health needs of men in the Gaza Strip.
17. Skin care is another area of focus, with many experiencing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis due to poor hygiene and stress.
18. Therapies and treatments for various medical conditions are in short supply, making it difficult for those suffering to receive the care they need.
19. Nutrition is essential, and organizations are working to provide essential nutrients to those affected, particularly children and mothers.
20. Aging populations in Gaza are at a higher risk due to the lack of access to adequate healthcare and nutrition.
21. Women's health has been severely impacted, with many women experiencing complications during childbirth due to the lack of proper medical care.
22. Parenting has become a challenge under these conditions, with many families struggling to provide for their children's basic needs.
23. Weight management is a growing issue, with many struggling to maintain a healthy weight due to the food scarcity and stress.
24. Cardiovascular health has been impacted by the stress and poor diet, increasing the risk of heart disease.
25. The conflict's impact on the economy and industry has been significant, with many businesses struggling to survive and others being forced to close.
26. Medicare and insurance systems have been stretched thin, making it difficult for those in need to receive the care they require.
27. CBD, a compound found in the cannabis plant, has shown promise in treating various medical conditions, but access to it remains limited in the Gaza Strip.
28. Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, have become a growing concern, with few treatment options available.
29. The environmental science sector has been called upon to assess and address the environmental damage caused by the conflict.
30. As the conflict drags on, finance and wealth management have become crucial for those trying to navigate through the crisis, with many seeking ways to secure their future and rebuild their lives.

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