The Costs of Israel's Longest War, for Israelis
Two years have passed since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, marking the beginning of what has become Israel's longest war. The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll on the Israeli population, with widespread destruction and loss of life.
According to official statistics, over 13,000 Israelis have been injured in the conflict, while more than 1,500 have lost their lives. The economic impact is also significant, with estimates suggesting that the war has cost Israel's economy over $100 billion. "The costs are enormous," said Itay Stern, an Israeli journalist who has been covering the conflict. "Not just financially, but also in terms of human toll and the emotional trauma inflicted on our people."
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Since then, Israel has responded with military force, leading to a prolonged stalemate. "We've been living under constant threat for two years now," said Rachel Cohen, an Israeli resident who lives near the Gaza border. "It's like we're stuck in a perpetual state of emergency."
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with millions of Palestinians displaced and struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. According to the United Nations, over 80% of Gaza's population relies on international aid to survive. "We're seeing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfold before our eyes," said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. "The situation is unsustainable, and we urge all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution."
In Israel, the war has also had a profound impact on daily life. Many residents have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza, while others have struggled to cope with the emotional toll of living under constant threat. "It's like we're stuck in a never-ending nightmare," said Cohen. "We just want peace and security for our families."
As the conflict enters its third year, there are growing concerns about the long-term consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians. "The war has created a sense of trauma and anxiety that will take years to heal," said Stern. "We need to find a way to end this cycle of violence and work towards a lasting peace."
In recent weeks, there have been reports of increased tensions between Israel and Hamas, with both sides trading blows in the Gaza Strip. While some Israeli officials have expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire, others remain skeptical. "We're not seeing any signs of a willingness to compromise from Hamas," said an Israeli government spokesperson.
As the situation remains fluid, one thing is clear: the costs of Israel's longest war will be felt for years to come. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, while Israelis struggle to cope with the emotional toll of living under constant threat. "We need a peaceful resolution to this conflict," said Dujarric. "The people of Gaza and Israel deserve better than this endless cycle of violence."
Sources:
NPR Politics: "The costs of Israel's longest war, for Israelis"
NPR News: "The costs of Israel's longest war, for Israelis"
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
