Gaza Residents Describe Crushing Impact of Two-Year War

A comprehensive follow-up with over 700 Gazans reveals a widespread and devastating impact from the ongoing conflict, with nearly all experiencing loss of life, displacement, or destruction of their homes.

Many interviewed over the past two years have been killed, displaced, or are unreachable, illustrating the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. Ismail al-Sheikh, first interviewed in January 2025, stated, “I lost a sister, a brother, and nearly 40 relatives. That alone feels like more than enough grief for one lifetime.” Hanaa al-Najjar added, “Our lives are nothing but suffering on top of suffering. We’ve lost relatives and been scattered across tents.” The ongoing conflict, which began after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, has created a dire situation for civilians.

The stories highlight a cycle of displacement, with many families forced to flee multiple times. Samar al-Jaja recounted the heartbreaking return to Gaza City with her nephews, only to find their parents’ home reduced to a single room, and their parents missing. “The kids said sadly, ‘We wish we were buried with them,’” she shared. Many are facing severe food shortages and a breakdown of essential services; Naseem Hassan reported losing 20 kilograms due to famine. The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

While some residents have managed to evacuate, often at great personal cost, they remain deeply traumatized and connected to those still in danger. Niveen Foad, now in Italy with some of her children, expressed a conflicted sense of guilt and hope, stating, “I feel like I betrayed my own country by leaving, but sometimes I also think that I deserve a chance in life.” Others, like Maher Ghanem, have experienced profound personal loss and see little future remaining in Gaza. Mapping the destruction reveals the extent of the damage to infrastructure and homes.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a potential hostage-prisoner swap are ongoing in Cairo, offering a potential path toward de-escalation, but as of today, Palestinians in Gaza continue to struggle for survival.