Palestinians reflect as they mark three years since the beginning of Israel's genocide in Gaza

What Happened

On the third anniversary of the start of the Gaza war, Palestinians in Gaza reflected on displacement, loss, and destruction. Residents displaced from Beit Hanoun described homes destroyed, children unable to attend school, families separated, and loved ones killed. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that at least 74,000 Palestinians, including 21,500 children, have been killed since 7 October 2023, with thousands more missing or buried under rubble. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics estimated that around 80% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged, and 1.65 million Palestinians are expected to face winter in damaged buildings or worn-out tents.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The three-year mark provides a measure of the war's human and physical toll, with the Gaza Health Ministry's figure of 74,000 dead highlighting the scale of loss. The reported 80% building damage and approaching winter for 1.65 million people underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the absence of durable reconstruction or safe shelter. The anniversary may renew international scrutiny of conditions in Gaza and pressure on mediators and parties to address the continued displacement.

Watch For

Watch for updated casualty and damage figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health and Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics as winter progresses, and whether humanitarian agencies report on shelter conditions for the 1.65 million Palestinians expected to face cold. Monitor for any new reporting on missing persons or bodies recovered from rubble, and for official statements tied to the anniversary that could signal shifts in ceasefire or reconstruction efforts.