The people of Gaza have faced one of the most destructive periods in the modern history of the world, caused by Israeli forces. In the modern world, no precedent can be found, affecting approximately 2.3 million residents. A joint report by the United Nations and World Bank estimated that the damage to Gaza’s infrastructure has reached around $18.5 billion. This amount is equivalent to nearly the entire combined GDP of Gaza and the West Bank in 2022.

Infrastructure and Housing: A Region in Ruins

This destruction is widespread and systematic. In another joint report, the United Nations and the World Bank have reported that 62% of housing units in Gaza have been either destroyed or severely damaged, resulting in more than one million people being homeless or displaced and forced into overcrowded shelters or makeshift camps. They endure inhumane conditions.

The impact has extended far beyond housing. Health infrastructure has been nearly decimated; 84% of hospitals and clinics have been destroyed, severely limiting the population’s access to medical care. Medical staff are facing immense challenges in providing medical aid to the people due to the ongoing blockade and damage to transport routes by the Israeli forces.

Education, too, has been affected. Over 625,000 students in Gaza have been out of school since the conflict intensified. Educational institutions have been demolished or closed entirely due to safety concerns. This disruption has darkened the future of one generation. It has also worsened Gaza's long-term social and economic challenges.

The water and sanitation system of Gaza has been severely destroyed, which will increase waterborne diseases among the masses and worsen an already critical humanitarian situation.

Human Cost: Casualties and Displacement

Israeli military strikes have led to mass civilian casualties. In a latest report by The Gaza Health Ministry to the media that Israeli forces have killed more than 53,655 innocent Palestinians, and over 121,950 have suffered from injuries, as cited by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. A significant proportion of casualties are women and children. The forced displacement, spurred by the destruction of homes by Israeli forces, has added to the hardships.

The Arab World’s Response: Between Solidarity and Strategic Interests

The Arab world’s response to this crisis is a mixture of condemnation, strategic recalculations, and diplomatic restraint. Palestine and other Arab states have the same cultural and religious traditions. These factors have not played a major role.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco normalized diplomatic relations with Israel. Signing the Abraham Accords with Israel was a major shift in regional dynamics. These countries offer only verbal support for Palestine. Israel has engaged the Arab world diplomatically. Due to this, their commitment to the Palestinian cause is not apparent.

The Arab League, consisting of 22 Arab member states, has raised its concerns and condemned the violence perpetrated by Israel. It has demanded a ceasefire. However, the Arab League’s steps to stop this conflict are very limited. It has not taken a single major step to impose political or economic pressure on Israel. This approach has reflected complicated geopolitical factors, including international alliances, internal stability, and the broader balance of power in the Middle East.

International Legal and Humanitarian Considerations

Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have demanded scrutiny of Israel’s military operations under international law. They have raised concerns over the ongoing situation in Gaza. These organizations have reported horrifying incidents where Israeli forces hit densely populated areas without warning, leaving families no time to escape and raising grave concerns of potential war crimes.

Israel has imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid, along with restrictions enforced by Egypt. This has complicated humanitarian access to Gaza. This blockade and these restrictions have enveloped the Palestinians and put up barriers to the movement of people, goods, and essential supplies such as food, medicine, and construction materials. The United Nations has defined this blockade as contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has pushed Gaza’s civilian population to the brink of death.

The Way Forward: Challenges and Prospects

The limited response from the Arab world to the devastation of Gaza has worsened this conflict. As a result, this complex issue is hard to resolve. The scale of devastation has highlighted urgent humanitarian needs, while the political environment has presented significant obstacles to a durable solution. It demands a coordinated international engagement.

Humanitarian aid from Arab states is limited, but the needs are high. The international community can address this issue and provide support to deliver humanitarian assistance through diplomatic means.

People have been calling for ceasefires and negotiated solutions for a long time, but lasting peace still hasn't been achieved.

The immediate priorities of the Palestinian people are a home shelter, food, healthcare, and clean water. Reconstruction of the devastated infrastructure will require substantial funding and political will. Both regional and international actors can play their role in this regard. Meanwhile, the role of the Arab world is very disappointing. However, the Arab world can play an important role. The way countries manage their own needs while truly supporting the Palestinian people will keep shaping where things go and whether there is a real chance for peace in the future.

Muhammad Adan Nisar is a journalist and researcher by profession with a strong interest in Middle Eastern affairs and humanitarian issues.