Source: Norwegian Refugee Council
On 7 October, the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing more than 1,400 people and taking scores of hostages. In response, Israel has declared war on Hamas, and launched the bloodiest offensive against Gaza for years, killing thousands of civilians and destroying residential buildings and public facilities.
What is the current situation in Gaza?
Last updated 24 October 2023
1. Civilians are being killed
More than two weeks of relentless bombardments have brought the death toll in the Gaza Strip to 5,791, including at least 2,360 children, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Hundreds of bodies are believed to be trapped under the rubble.
2. Mass destruction of homes
At least 43 per cent of all housing units in the Gaza Strip have been either destroyed or damaged since the start of the hostilities, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Gaza.
3. Schools, hospitals and mosques are being bombed
These are places where many residents take shelter or seek treatment.
4. Fuel, food and water are running out
Many bakeries have either been bombed or have been forced to shut down due to the lack of fuel. People are rationing food, and there is not enough water to go around. The amount of water available for all drinking, cooking and washing is currently estimated at three litres per day per person in Gaza, compared to the WHO-recommended amount of 100 litres.
5. Increased risk of disease
People are being forced to consume water from unsafe sources. Dehydration and waterborne diseases are becoming increasingly likely, and medicine is in short supply. There are already reports of cases of chicken pox, scabies and diarrhoea due to poor sanitation conditions and the consumption of unsafe water.
6. Civilians in Gaza feel fear and panic.
They have had no voice in the hostilities, and have no safe place to go to. The endless cycle of violence has affected children’s mental health and wellbeing.
7. Half the population told to leave their homes
On 13 October, the Israeli army ordered more than 1 million people – half the population – to leave northern Gaza within 24 hours, in advance of an imminent military ground operation. This amounts to forcible transfer and is illegal under international law – and impossible to implement safely.
8. 1.4 million are displaced
The number of people who have fled their homes in Gaza is estimated at about one million. This includes over 580,000 people staying in UN-run emergency shelters in increasingly dire conditions.
9. Nowhere is safe in Gaza
Despite telling Palestinians they would be safer in the south, Israel has continued to attack areas with a high civilian presence like Khan Younis and Rafah.
10. Israel’s siege on Gaza continues
The Rafah crossing has opened to allow some aid in, but the number of trucks is nowhere near what is needed. Gaza needs at least 100 aid trucks every day. Fuel has also been excluded from the list of items entering Gaza.
How is NRC responding?
Our teams in Gaza are currently delivering emergency cash assistance for people to purchase their essential needs. We are closely monitoring the security situation and stand ready to provide additional help, including:
- shelter
- psychological first aid for children
- water, hygiene and sanitation supplies
Our teams, like the rest of the population in Gaza, have suffered loss, destruction and displacement. Several of our colleagues have relocated with their families. We are prioritising our teams’ wellbeing and are in constant contact with them to ensure that they are safe.
What are we asking for?
- Stop all hostilities. All parties to the conflict must stop the widespread civilian bloodshed and destruction of infrastructure. Humanitarian pauses are needed to allow aid in and lay the conditions for a lasting ceasefire.
- End the siege on Gaza. Water, food and medicine are running out. Israel has collectively punished the people of Gaza by cutting all of life’s essentials. A disaster is unfolding with Gaza’s population being deliberately starved. Dehydration and waterborne diseases are a possibility as children have to drink contaminated water.
- Protect civilians. Airstrikes have continued across Gaza, including on southern Gaza where residents have been told to flee by Israel. Densely populated areas like Khan Younis and Rafah have been bombed repeatedly.
- Release all hostages. Hundreds of Israeli civilians have been taken hostage by armed groups in Gaza. They have no say over the events and should be released without conditions.
- Adhere to international law. The international community must push for the respect of international humanitarian law, particularly civilian protection, in this conflict.
- Keep Rafah crossing open. Increasing the amount life-saving aid into Gaza will be vital to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s people. Israel must not use people’s very survival as a bargaining chip. Humanitarian corridors must be introduced.
