Three years have passed since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023. What began as a surprise Palestinian operation inside Israeli territory turned into a long and devastating war on the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties, destruction of cities, homes, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, and displacement of the majority of the sector's population. The war has not been limited to Gaza, as Israel has expanded its military operations to other areas in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
A report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, published in June 2026, documented the killing of 20,179 Palestinian children and injury of 44,143 children since October 7, 2023. The commission concluded that Palestinian children have been subjected to various forms of violence, including killing, injury, deprivation, torture, and displacement. The report also stated that the effects of the conflict will continue to impact the lives and futures of these children. The commission's findings suggest that the harm inflicted on Palestinian children was not accidental, but rather part of a strategy that targets their future.
The city of Gaza has been severely damaged, with thousands of children losing their homes, schools, and families. The conflict has also led to a significant deterioration in the humanitarian situation, with many residents facing extreme hardship. A ceasefire agreement was reached in October 2025, but it has not brought an end to the violence. The report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry highlights the continued Israeli military operations, including airstrikes, drone attacks, and ground operations, which have resulted in further Palestinian casualties.
The conflict has not been limited to Gaza, as Israel has expanded its military operations to other areas in the Middle East. In Syria, the United Nations has documented increased concerns regarding Israeli military activity within Syrian territory. In September 2026, a UN investigative team warned that some Israeli actions in Syria could amount to war crimes. The Israeli military has continued to carry out strikes within Syrian territory.
In Israel, the events of October 7, 2023, are still remembered as a traumatic experience. There are growing demands for an independent investigation into the security failures that preceded the attack. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to take political responsibility for the security breach. The third anniversary of the conflict coincides with the upcoming Israeli elections, making the issue of October 7 a significant topic in the country's internal politics.
The issue of prisoners and detainees remains a contentious issue. The United Nations has documented concerns regarding the treatment of prisoners in Gaza and Israel. The organization has also reported on the detention of Palestinian children in Israeli facilities. The issue of prisoners and detainees is closely tied to the broader question of human rights, international law, and accountability for those responsible for abuses.
Three years after the start of the conflict, Gaza has not returned to normal. The city remains largely in ruins, and many residents continue to face extreme hardship. The international community has called for a lasting ceasefire and a political process that addresses the rights and security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians. The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
Key points
- The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.
- The conflict has expanded to other areas in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
- The issue of prisoners and detainees remains a contentious issue, with concerns regarding the treatment of prisoners in Gaza and Israel.
