Six months of war in Gaza: 33,000 killed, 70,000 injured

War devastation in Gaza.

This weekend marked six months of war in Gaza and six months since the horrific attacks and hostage-taking on October 7th 2023. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians. Another 70,000 face war-time injuries. Half of Gaza’s population are at the famine-equivalent levels of hunger, with a growing number of children dying of malnutrition and disease. Aid is not getting to the people who need it, and aid workers, hospitals, and places of refuge are being indiscriminately attacked and bombed. Experts expect tens of thousands more to die in the coming months unless there is a drastic change in conditions. Meanwhile Israel’s devastating offensive has done little to advance the release of the remaining hostages.

In short, Gaza has become hell on earth. While President Biden’s latest call for an immediate cease-fire and the opening of the Erez crossing are welcome steps, the only way out is an enduring cease-fire, unfettered humanitarian aid access, and release of the remaining hostages.

For the last six months, our team has been raising the alarm and working to hold both the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government to account, while also clearly condemning Hamas’ crimes. Refugees International has been a go-to voice on the crisis.