The initial Hamas attacks in 2023 left roughly 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 abducted. Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, including nearly one-third children, according to United Nations estimates.
Tens of thousands of civilians remain displaced, with schools, hospitals, and infrastructure severely damaged.
The violence on October 7, 2025, alone underscores the ongoing human cost. More than 100 civilians were killed in Be’eri and over 270 in an attack at a music festival in Re’im. These figures highlight that even after two years, both Israelis and Palestinians continue to suffer dramatically.
| Category | Estimated Losses / Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palestinian deaths | 67,000+ | Nearly one-third are children |
| Israeli deaths | ~1,200 | From October 7, 2023, attacks |
| Israeli civilians abducted | 251 | From October 7, 2023, attacks |
| Civilians killed Oct 7, 2025 | 100+ in Be’eri, 270+ at Re’im festival | Highlights ongoing intensity |
| Displaced persons (Gaza) | Tens of thousands | Living in temporary shelters, schools, and public buildings |
| Homes destroyed/damaged | Tens of thousands | During the initial October 7 attacks |
| Hospitals & clinics damaged | Significant | Residential areas are heavily affected |
| Schools & educational facilities damaged | Extensive | Limits access to education |
| Electricity & water infrastructure | Widespread disruption | Impacts civilians’ access to clean water and power |
| Roads, bridges, ports | Partial to total destruction | Limits transportation and trade |
| Commercial/industrial facilities | Extensive damage | Many are unable to provide basic care |
| International aid access | Limits the local economy and employment | Sumud Flotilla intercepted; 170+ activists detained (Reuters) |
| Food and medical supplies | Severely limited | Blocked/restricted |
The United Nations has described the ongoing conflict in Gaza as a potential genocide, citing widespread killings, forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
UN officials have accused Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of orchestrating actions that could constitute crimes against humanity.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes tied to the deprivation of essential resources for civilians, including food, water, and medical care.
Former Israeli army chief Moshe Yaalon has also warned that northern Gaza is being cleared of civilians, describing the situation as “ethnic cleansing,” while international activists and politicians have called for urgent accountability and humanitarian relief.
(Photo by thenews2.com)
Renewed peace efforts in Egypt
International mediators are working hard in Egypt to facilitate indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested a 20-point plan that includes a ceasefire, exchanging hostages, and disarming Hamas. While initial reports indicate that the talks are progressing “well,” there are still significant challenges, particularly regarding the disarmament condition, which Hamas might agree to under specific circumstances.
Egypt continues to play a crucial role in efforts to end the Gaza war, hosting indirect peace talks in Sharm el-Sheikh between Israel and Hamas. These negotiations, supported by the United States, focus on a 20-point proposal that calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the disarmament of Hamas.
Egyptian officials are urging both sides to give explicit guarantees, asking Hamas to ensure that Israel will follow any agreements made. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has shown increasing frustration with Israel’s military actions, warning that these actions “threaten future peace and create barriers to new agreements.”
In recent weeks, Egypt has also reduced security coordination with Israel following strikes that targeted Hamas leadership abroad. Meanwhile, Cairo has strengthened its diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates and publicly supported President Trump’s peace initiative, positioning itself as a key mediator in the region’s most delicate negotiations.
Humanitarian aid faces obstacles
Humanitarian efforts continue to be complicated by the ongoing conflict. The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid to Gaza, was intercepted by Israeli forces as it attempted to breach the naval blockade.
Over 170 activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, were detained and later deported.
Speaking after arriving in Athens, Thunberg said, “We are not even seeing the bare minimum from our governments.” She called on the international community to take more decisive action to alleviate the crisis.
As the conflict enters its third year, observers warn that the next weeks could determine whether peace talks in Egypt yield concrete results or if the cycle of violence will continue. UN officials emphasize that without agreements on safe passage for aid and protection of civilians, further escalation remains likely.
