A Year After the Al-Aqsa Flood: The Ongoing Impact on Israel and Gaza
As the world reflects on a year since the Al-Aqsa Flood, the repercussions of the conflict continue to resonate across Israeli society and the Gaza Strip. The war has resulted in devastating humanitarian crises and significant shifts in international relations, with Israel experiencing a decline in legitimacy and an increase in internal divisions. The Israeli government faces mounting criticism for its military actions in Gaza, which have led to unprecedented casualties and destruction.
The Human Cost of War: Casualties and Destruction in Gaza
In the past year, nearly 2% of Gaza's population has been killed due to Israeli military operations, with estimates of approximately 41,788 deaths, including a staggering 40% children. The scale of destruction in Gaza is unparalleled, with over 163,778 buildings reported destroyed—66% of the total infrastructure—surpassing the devastation seen in cities like Aleppo and Mariupol. The ongoing conflict has also resulted in a humanitarian disaster, with many civilians still trapped under rubble and significant damage to essential services like hospitals and schools.
Erosion of International Support and Legitimacy
The conflict has led to a dramatic erosion of Israel's international legitimacy. Protests have erupted globally against Israel's military actions, with significant declines in public support in the U.S. and Europe. Countries such as Canada and Belgium have halted military sales to Israel, reflecting a growing discontent with its actions. Moreover, the Israeli government has faced internal strife, with rising political and social divisions exacerbated by the war's toll on civilians and military personnel. The future of Israeli-Palestinian relations appears increasingly uncertain as the region grapples with the fallout from the Al-Aqsa Flood.
