1,000 Days of Conflict: Over 90% of Gaza Destroyed as Israel Expands Control

Authorities in the Gaza Strip report that more than 90 percent of the territory has been destroyed, with Israeli forces now controlling 80 percent of the region, as the world marks 1,000 days since the escalation of hostilities on October 7, 2023. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, at least 73,066 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave, including over 21,500 children, among them 1,022 infants. Additionally, 9,500 individuals remain unaccounted for, many presumed trapped beneath debris, while 173,514 have sustained injuries.

The office also revealed that approximately 223,000 tonnes of explosives have been deployed by Israel in Gaza—equivalent to 16 times the amount of ordnance unleashed by the U.S. in Hiroshima during World War II. Despite widespread devastation, efforts to implement a ceasefire framework supported by the United Nations Security Council and overseen by the U.S.-established Board of Peace have faltered. Analysts note that instead of a phased withdrawal, Israeli forces have expanded their territorial control, with only one-third of promised aid convoys entering Gaza daily.

Since the October truce took effect, Israeli operations have resulted in over 1,000 additional Palestinian fatalities. Iyad Jouda, an analyst, criticized the Board of Peace for deviating from its mandate to unify Gaza and the West Bank, citing a lack of shared policies or vision among stakeholders. The initiative also faces financial shortfalls, with significant funding pledges still pending.

The humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic levels, with Gaza’s entire population at risk of famine. Nearly 400,000 residents survive on a single meal daily, and 62 percent of essential healthcare supplies are unavailable. The UN estimates that human development in Gaza has regressed by 77 years, with life expectancy plummeting to 40 years. Over 68 million tonnes of rubble remain uncollected, with less than 0.5 percent removed, a task that could take over 140 years at current rates.

Gaza City Mayor Yahya al-Sarraj described the loss of 85 to 90 percent of local infrastructure and resources, stating, “We feel in many cases paralyzed.” Municipal authorities have developed a comprehensive reconstruction strategy, dubbed the “Phoenix Plan,” and pledged self-driven rebuilding efforts once border restrictions ease. However, negotiations for the next phase remain stalled, as Israel insists on Hamas’ disarmament before reconstruction begins. Local voices, including former detainee Nasser Faram and resident Hassan Sharaf, emphasize the need for legitimate governance over military armament.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined plans to solidify control over remaining areas, defeat Hamas, and establish Jewish settlements as a security buffer for southern Israel. He declared, “Where there is no settlement, there is no security,” signaling no return to pre-conflict arrangements. In Israel, thousands gathered to mark the grim milestone, with protests organized by the October Council accusing the government of obstructing independent investigations into security failures. Meanwhile, around 5,000 Israelis have relocated to southern regions near Gaza since 2023, with government targets aiming to increase the population to 124,000 by 2030.

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