Three Years of War Have Transformed Gaza: Economy, Education, and Healthcare Collapsed

Three years have passed since Israel launched its war on Gaza following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack. During this period, the Palestinian enclave has been transformed beyond recognition. Sustained aerial and ground assaults have laid waste to vast parts of the Gaza Strip, destroying homes and neighborhoods, and severely damaging infrastructure and essential services.

The war has shattered the lives of approximately two million people. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, over 74,245 Palestinians have been killed. A ceasefire announced in October 2025 did not end the suffering; an additional 1,462 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect.

Highlights

• 92% of Gaza's economic establishments have been damaged or destroyed, with unemployment reaching 78%.
• The education system has collapsed; 98% of schools are damaged or destroyed, leaving 700,000 children without regular schooling for three years.
• The healthcare system is severely impacted; only 19 of 36 hospitals are partially functioning and face critical shortages.
• 94% of the population is in urgent need of shelter and basic household assistance, while 65% live in tents or makeshift shelters.
• Approximately 70% of Gaza is under Israeli military control and access restrictions, confining Palestinians to an increasingly smaller area.

Details

According to the United Nations (UN), 94% of Gaza's population was in urgent need of shelter and basic household assistance in September. 65% of households live in tents or makeshift shelters. Water insecurity rose to 91% by early August, while the electricity grid remains non-functional, increasing reliance on generators. Damaged roads and communication networks hinder transport, phone/internet access, and access to basic services.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimated in September that 92% of Gaza's economic establishments had been damaged or destroyed. Unemployment soared to 78%. GDP per capita stood at just $212 in 2025, approximately 17% of its 2022 level. Agriculture and industry operated at only 6% of their 2022 output, while construction fell to 1%. Prices remain around 200% above pre-October 2023 levels.

UNICEF reports that nearly 98% of schools have been damaged or destroyed. As of April 2026, 700,000 children aged 4 to 17 have missed almost three consecutive years of in-person education. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), all 36 hospitals in Gaza have been damaged, with only 19 currently functioning partially. These facilities face severe shortages of essential medicines, medical equipment, and fuel.

Why it matters

The war in Gaza has not only resulted in physical destruction but has also fundamentally altered every aspect of life in the region. The collapse of the economy, education, healthcare, and infrastructure has turned the daily lives of over two million people into a struggle for survival. This situation carries long-term humanitarian and social consequences, threatening the future of an entire generation and necessitating a massive effort for the region's reconstruction.