In the past 100 days, Israel and Hamas have been locked in a devastating war that has had far-reaching consequences for both sides. This conflict, which began with Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel, has become the longest and deadliest between Israel and the Palestinians since the country's establishment in 1948. As the war shows no sign of ending, it is essential to reflect on the key takeaways from the first 100 days of this conflict that has upended the region.
Firstly, Israel has been profoundly affected by the war. The initial attack on October 7 took the lives of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and left 250 others as hostages, making it the deadliest attack in Israel's history. The nation was blindsided by this act of violence, shaking the faith of its people in their leaders. While the public has united in support of the military's efforts, the trauma of the attack persists. Posters of the hostages are displayed in public streets, and calls to 'Bring Them Home' echo throughout the country. Israeli news channels dedicate their broadcasts to round-the-clock coverage of the war, emphasizing stories of tragedy and heroism. However, there is little discussion or empathy for the skyrocketing death toll and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. As plans for post-war Gaza remain largely unmentioned, historian Tom Segev suggests that this war and its failures will shake the country for years to come, creating a feeling of betrayal and lack of faith in the government.
On the other hand, Gaza has been devastated by the war. The territory already faced challenging conditions due to the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since Hamas took control in 2007. Now, after the intense Israeli airstrikes, Gaza has become unrecognizable. Health authorities report a death toll exceeding 23,000 people, which represents around 1% of the territory's population. Thousands more are missing or severely wounded, while over 80% of the population has been displaced. Tens of thousands of people are crammed into overcrowded tent camps in southern Gaza, often targeted by Israeli fire. Analysis using satellite imagery estimates that approximately half of Gaza's buildings have been damaged or destroyed. The United Nations warns that about a quarter of Gaza's population is starving, with limited access to medical care, education, and proper shelter. Martin Griffiths, the U.N.'s humanitarian chief, concludes that Gaza has become uninhabitable.
Furthermore, the war's ripple effect has engendered significant tensions throughout the entire Middle East. Promptly after the Hamas attack, Hezbollah militants in Lebanon began attacking Israel, which triggered Israeli retaliation. While a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah has been narrowly avoided, the situation remains highly volatile. Just recently, the assassination of a top Hamas official in Beirut led to heavy barrages on Israeli military bases from Hezbollah, while Israel targeted several Hezbollah commanders in airstrikes. Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted civilian cargo ships in the Red Sea, while Iranian-backed militias have attacked U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. The United States has deployed warships to contain the violence, but the situation remains precarious, raising the specter of an even broader conflict.
The conflict has forced Israel to confront the Palestinian issue, which it has long attempted to sideline. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of various peace initiatives and dismissal of the Palestinian Authority as weak have not halted the resurgence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The war has now taken center stage globally, resulting in significant international attention and four visits by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The possibility of establishing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia has emerged, but the Saudis insist on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as a precondition. The war has underscored that the Palestinian issue and the Palestinian people cannot be ignored, according to Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
With no clear path for the war's conclusion or what will follow, uncertainty looms over the future for both sides. Israel aims to crush Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages, insisting on its long-term military presence in Gaza. However, the international community seeks a revitalized Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza and progress toward a two-state solution, while opposing Israeli reoccupation. The eventual reconstruction of Gaza will be a lengthy process, but questions remain about funding, material supply, and housing for the displaced population.
As the war enters its 100th day, it is undeniable that it has had profound and far-reaching consequences. Both Israel and Gaza have been devastated, with countless lives lost and infrastructures destroyed. The conflict has disrupted the entire region, risking escalation into a broader conflict involving various Iranian-backed militant groups. It has forced Israel to confront the Palestinian issue, which it had sought to sideline, and drawn significant international attention. Amidst the chaos, the path towards peace and recovery remains uncertain, leaving the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians filled with uncertainty and hardship.
