The Gaza War since October 7 in photos: Al-Aqsa Flood and Israel's offensive
The bombardments Israel has been carrying out since October 7 have led to at least half of the buildings in Gaza being damaged or destroyed. Analyses conducted so far reveal that the destruction has reached dimensions that are very difficult to reverse. More than 41 thousand people have lost their lives so far in the Gaza War, which began following Hamas's 'Al-Aqsa Flood' attack.
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The timing of the attack is significant, as it coincided with a period when Israelis were at home due to the Sabbath, a religious day observed during the 24 hours between the evenings of October 6 and 7. It is known that work is suspended in Israel on the Sabbath. Based on the belief that 'the earth and heavens were created in six days, that one must rest on the seventh day, and that any behavior to the contrary warrants the worst death,' Israeli Jews worship on the Sabbath but do not work.
AL-AQSA FLOOD
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades launched a large-scale attack on settlements in southern Israel as of 06:30 on the morning of October 7, 2023. The attack was named 'Al-Aqsa Flood.' The operation began with the firing of approximately 5,000 rockets at cities in southern Israel within 20 minutes. At the same time, some Hamas members infiltrated Israel by land and by air using simple devices resembling gliders. More than 1,500 people died in the attacks, and approximately 250 Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas.
According to a report in the British newspaper The Guardian in August, a 'significant portion' of those who died in the Hamas attacks lost their lives as a result of fire opened by the Israeli army.
Since October 7, Israelis have held numerous rallies, demanding that the Netanyahu government reach a hostage exchange agreement with Hamas. Netanyahu, however, responded to these demands by stating that they 'would not negotiate with terrorists.'
Furthermore, this event began immediately after the anniversary of the Yom Kippur attack launched by Egypt on October 6, 1973. For this reason, the event, which reminded Israelis of the 'raid-style' attack carried out on Yom Kippur, held a significance for Israel that required an immediate reaction.
ISRAEL'S OCCUPATION OF GAZA
Israel, which launched ground operations against the Gaza Strip on October 8, began airstrikes that leveled residential areas in northern Gaza. The attacks initially targeted Gaza City and its surroundings.
It is reported that as a result of the Israeli military's airstrikes on Gaza, 50 to 61 percent of buildings in the region have been damaged or destroyed. In the southern part of Gaza, particularly the city of Khan Yunis, has been one of the areas most affected by the attacks. According to a new analysis, more than 38 thousand buildings in this city have either been damaged or destroyed.
Residential areas and infrastructure across Gaza have suffered severe destruction. While shopping streets and schools have been reduced to rubble, significant losses have also occurred in agricultural lands.
According to United Nations data, approximately 1.7 million people have been displaced since October 7. A large portion of these people are trying to live under difficult conditions at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, the Israeli army has maintained that the attacks carried out were targeting infrastructure used by Hamas.
Footage revealing the details of the destruction shows that damage has been inflicted across a wide area from the north to the south of Gaza. Critical structures, particularly Gaza University, have sustained heavy damage. The UN states that areas that were previously bustling are now abandoned.
THE OCCUPATION OF GAZA
Following its attacks, Israel has seized northern Gaza and declared it a 'prohibited zone' for Gazans. Meanwhile, land in the same area has been put up for sale by institutions linked to Israel in the West.
The United Nations has reported that more than 80 percent of the population in Gaza has been displaced. New footage shows that cities have been reduced to ruins and agricultural lands have suffered extensive damage. Experts are concerned about the long-term effects of the agricultural damage in the region.
As a result of the Israeli military's airstrikes on Gaza, it is reported that 50 to 61 percent of buildings in the region have been damaged or destroyed. In the southern part of Gaza, particularly the city of Khan Yunis, has been one of the areas most affected by the attacks. According to a new analysis, more than 38 thousand buildings in this city have either been damaged or destroyed.
WILL GAZANS BE ABLE TO RETURN?
Residential areas and infrastructure across Gaza have suffered severe destruction. As shopping streets and schools have been reduced to rubble, significant losses have also occurred in agricultural lands.
According to United Nations data, approximately 1.7 million people have been displaced since October 7. A large portion of these people are trying to live under difficult conditions at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, the Israeli army argued that the attacks carried out were targeting infrastructure used by Hamas.
Footage revealing the details of the destruction shows that damage has been inflicted across a wide area from the north to the south of Gaza. Critical structures, particularly Gaza University, have sustained heavy damage. The UN states that areas that were previously bustling are now abandoned.
On the other hand, before the war, the majority of Gaza's food needs were met by local agricultural activities. However, as a result of the attacks, a large portion of agricultural land has been reduced to ruins, and food production has been jeopardized. Experts warn that the damage to the agricultural sector may be permanent.
The situation in Gaza stands out due to the scale of destruction encountered when compared to previous war zones. The UN points out that due to the difficulty of rebuilding agricultural supply and the danger posed by unexploded 'bombs and similar' weapons, it may become impossible for farmers returning to the region to work.