The ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza has reached a grim milestone of 300 days, leaving behind an unprecedented trail of destruction. The scale of devastation in Gaza is staggering, with the amount of debris generated by the relentless bombings exceeding that of all global conflicts since 2008 by a shocking 14 times. This destruction is not only burying the present lives of Palestinians but also casting a long shadow over their future, with schools and critical infrastructure systematically targeted and destroyed.
According to an assessment of satellite imagery conducted by UN-Habitat and the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), the Israeli military’s assault has produced approximately 42 million metric tonnes of debris. To put this into perspective, this is about 46 million tons, or 14 times the total amount of debris created in all other conflicts worldwide over the last 16 years. In Gaza, a densely populated area that is one-sixteenth the size of New York City, this debris equates to an overwhelming 114 kilograms per square meter, or roughly 23 pounds per square foot.
The destruction is concentrated and widespread, with nearly two-thirds of Gaza’s structures damaged. This level of destruction is unprecedented, leaving behind a landscape of rubble where homes, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure once stood. The bombardment has not only destroyed buildings but also crippled the very systems that support life in Gaza, including waste management, water treatment, and medical facilities.
The sheer amount of debris is not just a visual testament to the destruction but also a ticking time bomb for the health and safety of Gaza’s residents. Hidden within the mountains of rubble are countless unexploded bombs, posing a constant threat to those trying to rebuild their lives. The UN Mine Action Service estimates that clearing these unexploded ordnances could take up to 14 years, leaving the population at risk long after the conflict ends.
Moreover, the debris contains a variety of hazardous materials, including an estimated 800,000 metric tonnes of asbestos, which is known to cause cancer. With much of Gaza’s water treatment capacity destroyed and water access reduced to just 6% of pre-October levels, the population is forced to navigate through toxic rubble in search of basic necessities. Pollutants from the debris are leaching into the already scarce water supply, exacerbating the health crisis. Reports have emerged of parents mixing polluted water with baby formula, a tragic indication of the desperation faced by Gaza’s residents.
The environmental impact is severe, with some experts labeling it as ecocide. Gaza’s environment, already fragile due to years of blockade and conflict, is now facing long-term damage that will affect generations. The destruction of water and sanitation facilities has led to the spread of waterborne diseases, adding another layer of suffering to an already dire humanitarian crisis.
One of the most shocking aspects of Israel’s campaign is the systematic targeting of Gaza’s educational infrastructure. According to the UN-backed Global Education Cluster, nearly 85% of schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. This is not just a loss of buildings but a deliberate attempt to dismantle the future of Palestinian children.
The destruction of schools is part of a broader pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure that is vital for the survival and development of the population. Gaza’s 1.1 million children have been out of school for nearly a year, a critical period of their lives where education should provide stability and hope. The impact of this disruption on their psychological and educational development cannot be overstated. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has launched a “back to learning” program, but with the level of trauma and disruption, it is unlikely to address the full extent of the crisis.
The assault on education extends to higher learning institutions as well. Every university in Gaza has been destroyed, an act that many academics have described as “scholasticide.” The loss of these institutions is a blow to the cultural and intellectual fabric of Palestinian society. Education plays a crucial role in preserving history, identity, and culture, and its systematic destruction is a clear violation of international law.
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Response
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. Overcrowding, lack of access to clean water, and the spread of disease are rampant. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a rise in cases of polio, acute respiratory infections, and hepatitis, with the situation worsening by the day. The destruction of water infrastructure and the accumulation of waste in the streets have created ideal conditions for the spread of disease, further straining the already overwhelmed healthcare system.
Riham Jafari, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator at ActionAid Palestine, sums up the situation: “It’s truly admirable that despite these dreadful circumstances, people are still wanting to help one another and support hospital staff by donating blood—even if, devastatingly, they are far too sick themselves to be able to do so. The world must not normalize the horrors we are witnessing in Gaza. A permanent ceasefire is not just necessary; it is a moral imperative.”
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