The Israel-Hamas war began 100 days ago on October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel and killed hundreds of people, raped women, and captured hostages. The longest, deadliest, and most destructive war between sworn adversaries has claimed over 24000 lives in Gaza, while over 140 mosques in Palestine have been destroyed by Israel.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to destroy Hamas in Gaza. Israel launched airstrikes and ground offensives in Gaza. The shelling has displaced thousands of Gazans and killed hundreds of Hamas terrorists.
The entire operation has caused a devastating humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Israel demolished hospitals and schools it claimed were Hamas terror hubs during its invasion. The war has killed journalists, health professionals, UN staff, and humanitarian relief workers.
From 24 to 30 November 2023, Israel and Hamas declared a brief ceasefire, releasing 105 hostages, including 80 Israelis, in return for Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails. Over 100 hostages are still detained by Hamas in Gaza.
According to AP, Palestinian Health Ministry, Israeli, and international observers and humanitarian groups provided data on the Israel-Hamas war’s toll.
TOTAL DEATHS
Palestinians died in Gaza: over 24,000
Palestinian deaths in West Bank: 347 Civilian deaths:
Gaza civilians: Two-thirds of Gaza’s civilian casualties are women and children.
Oct. 7 Israeli civilian deaths: 790
UN workers killed in Gaza: 148
At least 337 Gaza health professionals died.
Gaza violence kills 82 journalists and soldiers/militants.
Oct. 7 Israeli army deaths: 314
Israel killed over 8,000 militants.
Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza ground offensive: 187
Israeli troops killed on northern front: 9.
29 Israeli troops killed by friendly fire or “accidents” in Gaza and the north.
Gaza destruction/humanitarian situation
Gaza’s buildings likely damaged/destroyed: 45-56%
Gaza hospitals partially operational: 15/36
Palestinian citizens experiencing “catastrophic hunger and starvation”: 576,600 (26% of population).
Over 69% of Gaza schools damaged.
Mosques damaged: 142 (as of last update)
Three churches damaged
Damaged ambulances: 121
100% of students: 625,000 absent.
INJURIES
60,005 Gazans injured
Over 4,000 West Bank Palestinians injured
Total Israeli injuries: 12,415
Ground offensive injuries to Israeli soldiers: 1,085.
Israeli troops injured since Oct. 7: 2,496 DISPLACEMENT
Palestinians displaced in Gaza: 1.9 million (85% of population).
Israelis displaced from northern and southern border communities: 249,263 (2.6% of population).
HOSTAGES/PRISONERS
About 250 Hamas hostages were captured on Oct. 7.
121 hostages freed
The strip has 132 Oct. 7 hostages.
- 111 males, 19 women, 2 kids
2) 121 Israelis, 11 foreigners
Deaths of Hamas hostages: 33
Released Palestinian detainees during a week-long respite in fighting: 240.
Rakets fired at Israel: 14,000
The international community, including the UN, is pressuring Israel to stop firing. Negotiations to release remaining captives and end hostilities have failed many times.
Conclusion
The 100-day Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has caused great misery and a humanitarian crisis. The Palestinian struggle related to the Al-Aqsa Mosque needs ongoing support despite the complexity of the situation.
The third holiest location in Islam, Al-Aqsa Mosque, is important to Muslims worldwide. Religious sites like Al-Aqsa have been a flashpoint during the conflict. Religious freedoms and cultural and historical treasures like the Al-Aqsa Mosque require international support.
The humanitarian situation and mosque demolition underline the need to support Palestine continuously. Al-Aqsa Mosque, an Islamic symbol of religious and cultural identity, emphasizes the necessity for a just and sustainable Israel-Palestine peace.
Diplomatic efforts to end the Israeli violence and atrocities on Palestinians, protect holy sites, and address its causes should be led by the international community. Support for the Palestinian cause, especially cultural heritage like the Aqsa Mosque and religious freedom, is crucial for regional as well as global peace.
