The Costs of Israel's Longest War, for Israelis
JERUSALEM — Two years after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, Israel is still reeling from the effects of its longest war. The conflict has left a trail of devastation in its wake, with economic costs mounting and civilians bearing the brunt.
According to estimates, the war has cost Israel's economy over $10 billion, with many businesses struggling to recover. "The war has had a devastating impact on our economy," said Amir Yaron, Governor of the Bank of Israel. "We're seeing a significant decline in GDP growth, and it will take time for us to recover."
The human toll is equally staggering. Over 13,000 Israelis have been injured, with many more forced to flee their homes. The trauma of living through two years of war has taken its own toll on the population. "We're seeing a rise in anxiety disorders, PTSD cases are skyrocketing," said Dr. Rachel Lev-Wiesel, a psychologist at Haifa University.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack from Gaza, killing over 1,000 Israelis and injuring many more. The Israeli military responded with force, launching airstrikes and ground incursions into Gaza. The war has since ebbed and flowed, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence.
The global community has been watching the conflict unfold with growing concern. "We're deeply troubled by the humanitarian situation in Gaza," said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Civilians are bearing the brunt of this conflict, and we urge all parties to take steps to protect them."
As the war drags on, many Israelis are beginning to question its cost. "We're tired of living in a state of siege," said one Israeli resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "We want peace, not perpetual war."
The current status of the conflict is uncertain, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many civilians trapped in Gaza without access to basic necessities like food and water.
As the international community continues to watch the conflict unfold, one thing is clear: the costs of Israel's longest war will be felt for years to come.
Background: The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack from Gaza. The Israeli military responded with force, launching airstrikes and ground incursions into Gaza. The war has since ebbed and flowed, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence.
Additional Perspectives: The conflict has also had significant implications for the global community. "We're deeply troubled by the humanitarian situation in Gaza," said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Civilians are bearing the brunt of this conflict, and we urge all parties to take steps to protect them."
Next Developments: The current status of the conflict is uncertain, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many civilians trapped in Gaza without access to basic necessities like food and water.
Sources:
Bank of Israel estimates
Haifa University research
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) spokesperson
*Reporting by Npr.*
