A ceasefire agreement has been finalized in Qatar to end the 15-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel had previously refused to agree to a ceasefire until concluding its military operations in response to Hamas's attack in October 2023, resulting in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza.
The conflict has led to extensive damage and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 46,000 Palestinians reportedly killed and substantial infrastructural devastation. The Israeli military claims to have targeted Hamas militants while endeavoring to minimize civilian casualties, while Hamas has retaliated with rocket attacks.
Assessments by various entities, including the BBC, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the UN, indicate a high number of civilian casualties, especially among women and children. The Lancet medical journal suggests that official death tolls may underestimate the actual figures. The destruction of infrastructure, as documented by satellite images, has been extensive, affecting a significant portion of Gaza's buildings and road network.
Critical services, such as healthcare and education, have been severely impacted, with a high percentage of hospitals closed, mental health facilities non-operational, and educational facilities damaged. The rebuilding process in Gaza is projected to be a daunting task, estimated to cost billions of dollars, with millions of people internally displaced.
Challenges persist in delivering essential aid to Gaza, worsened by criminal activities hindering aid distribution. While the ceasefire offers a prospect for easier aid access, the focus remains on the long-term reconstruction of Gaza, a process that could span over a decade due to the extensive damage incurred.