Gaza's Transformation After Three Years of Conflict
The ongoing war has drastically altered life in Gaza, affecting its economy, education, and healthcare systems.
Over 74,245 Palestinians have lost their lives since the conflict began.
92% of Gaza's economic establishments have been damaged or destroyed.
Nearly 98% of schools in Gaza have been affected, disrupting education for hundreds of thousands of children.
Gaza City has undergone a profound transformation three years after the onset of conflict initiated by Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The relentless military operations have led to widespread destruction, displacing families and damaging critical infrastructure across the Gaza Strip.
The war has severely impacted the lives of approximately two million residents, with the Ministry of Health reporting over 74,245 Palestinian fatalities. Despite a ceasefire declared in October 2025, violence has persisted, resulting in additional casualties and ongoing humanitarian crises. The conflict has led to the collapse of essential services, including education and healthcare, creating dire living conditions for the population.
According to the UN, as of September 2026, 94% of Gaza's inhabitants are in urgent need of shelter and basic assistance. Many families are living in makeshift tents, lacking essential amenities such as running water and electricity. Water insecurity has escalated, affecting 91% of households, while the electricity supply remains unreliable, forcing reliance on generators and limited fuel supplies.
The economic landscape has also been devastated, with 92% of businesses damaged or destroyed, leading to an unemployment rate of 78%. The GDP per capita plummeted to $212 in 2025, significantly below pre-war levels. The economic collapse has made basic goods unaffordable, with prices soaring by 200% compared to pre-conflict levels. As formal employment opportunities vanish, many families depend on humanitarian aid and informal work to survive.
The education sector has been hit hard, with nearly 98% of schools damaged or destroyed, leaving around 700,000 children without access to regular schooling. The disruption has widened the educational gap, threatening the future of an entire generation. Healthcare services are on the brink of collapse, with only 19 of Gaza's 36 hospitals operational and facing severe shortages of essential supplies. The ongoing conflict has not only reshaped Gaza's physical landscape but has also left its residents grappling with uncertainty and a lack of clear prospects for recovery.
