Three Years After October 7, Gaza Is Still Dying — 1,200 Killed in Israel, Entire Towns Erased in Gaza

Three Years After October 7, Gaza Is Still Dying — 1,200 Killed in Israel, Entire Towns Erased in Gaza

A somber anniversary marks three years since the October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and triggered a war that has reduced Gaza to rubble. Palestinians describe an existence that is neither war nor peace, as a year-old ceasefire fails to stop the suffering.

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Three years ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas-led fighters launched an attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people [256709]. Israel responded with a war on Gaza that has continued ever since, spreading far beyond Gaza and Israel to reach Lebanon, Yemen, and other parts of the Middle East [259612].

The scale of destruction in Gaza is clear from new satellite images released last week by Google Maps. Entire towns have been reduced to rubble. Mosques and hospitals that stood three years ago are gone. The shoreline, once empty, is now crowded with tents [259612].

A ceasefire was agreed one year ago, but the violence has not stopped [259612]. Palestinians in Gaza say their lives have changed beyond recognition. Many describe an existence that is neither war nor peace — amid disease, despair and ruins [257146].

Ahmed Ishtaiwi, a 43-year-old driver and mechanic, holds onto six cheap, plastic, battered chairs as among his most valuable possessions. His story reflects the reality for many: three years after the October 7 attacks and the Israeli offensive that followed, few things remain [257146].

Residents of the enclave try to survive as best they can, living between hope for a better future and resignation [256257]. At a market in Gaza City, more fruits and vegetables are now available, but prices remain too high for most Palestinians to afford [256357].

Memorial events took place across Israel on Tuesday to mark three years since the attack [256709]. In Gaza, people are also beginning to look toward the future, even as they cope with daily struggles over shelter, food, and education [256357].

What happened on October 7 was a turning point in history — one whose full impact is only now becoming clear [259612].

Sources

Gaza War Three Years On: How October 7 Changed the World #259612Gaza: Three Years of War, a Land Beyond Recognition #256257Gaza Looks Beyond Survival: Three Years After the War #256357Israel marks three years since Hamas attack that started Gaza war #256709Gaza: 'Neither war nor peace' – Palestinians describe lives changed beyond recognition #257146

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