The ongoing conflict in Gaza has left a trail of devastation and displacement, forcing countless Palestinians to seek refuge in overcrowded shelters. With the specter of violence looming large, the question on everyone’s minds is: what does the future hold for the people of Gaza in 2025?
In the early hours of a Monday morning, the fragile peace was shattered once again as an Israeli airstrike targeted al-Shifa Hospital in central Gaza. The aftermath was a scene of chaos and despair, with medics scrambling to treat the wounded and accounts of several casualties.
This incident has left many feeling vulnerable and questioning the very notion of safety. A survivor of the attack shared, “I swear there’s no safety, whether it’s a hospital, a school, or any place. Five days ago, they hit a school, and today, they hit the tents, as you can see. What can we do?”
Palestinians inspect damage at the compound of al-Shifa hospital following Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City October 16, 2023.
The Israeli military stated that their target was militants operating from a command center within the hospital compound. They allege that Hamas utilizes civilian infrastructure for military purposes, a claim that Hamas vehemently denies.
This recent strike on al-Shifa Hospital occurred as Israeli forces escalated their operations in Northern Gaza, extending their reach into the densely populated area. Residents reported that the military had effectively cut off access to several areas in the northernmost part of the Gaza Strip, including Jabalia, a historically significant refugee camp and Gaza’s largest.
The situation in Jabalia is particularly dire, as it is home to a significant number of displaced Palestinians. With the ongoing military operation, access to essential resources has been severely restricted, further exacerbating the already precarious living conditions of the refugees.
Medics treat injured Palestinians at Kamal Adwan hospital, amid Israeli air strikes, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip October 15, 2023.
As the conflict escalates, the number of casualties continues to rise. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office reported that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of approximately 300 Palestinians. They contend that the bombardment of civilian homes and shelters is a deliberate tactic aimed at driving Palestinians out of Gaza permanently, an allegation that Israel denies.
Adding to the growing concerns, Palestinian and United Nations officials have issued warnings that there are effectively no safe zones remaining within the Gaza Strip. The escalating violence has made it increasingly challenging for aid organizations to deliver essential supplies, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies, particularly in Northern Gaza. There is a growing fear that these shortages could escalate into a full-blown famine, further jeopardizing the lives of countless civilians.
In response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the international community has called for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with both sides deeply entrenched in their positions, finding a path to peace remains a daunting challenge. As the conflict enters its tenth day, the future of Gaza hangs precariously in the balance, leaving its residents grappling with uncertainty and an overwhelming sense of despair. The question of whether 2025 will bring about a lasting peace or further suffering remains unanswered.
