Reflecting on Two Years of Struggle in Gaza: Changes and Challenges
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. It has now been two years since the conflict in Gaza began, and our brothers and sisters there continue to endure many hardships. Access to fundamental needs like food, clean water, electricity, and medical care remains a serious challenge.
The land itself has seen dramatic changes. Areas that used to be green are now mostly barren shrubs and dry patches. Recent satellite data reveals how the 365km² Gaza Strip has experienced shifts in how the land is used and covered.
With a population density exceeding 6,000 people per square kilometer as of 2023, Gaza's built-up areas had been expanding. However, over these two years, the space covered by homes and infrastructure has sharply dropped from nearly 70% of the land to just 54%, a loss that deeply affects families and communities.
Many Gazans now face steep costs for shelter, with tents priced up to $1,200, forcing some to sleep outdoors if they cannot afford them. The destruction of hospitals and health centers - with 25 hospitals out of service and over 100 clinics destroyed - has made accessing medical care even harder.
Agriculture, which once contributed significantly to Gaza's economy and food security, has also suffered greatly. Less than 5% of cropland remains usable, a decline of over 80%, adding to food scarcity and rising costs that many families struggle to meet.
The amount of bare, unusable ground has increased fourfold, turning once fertile areas into wasteland. This transformation is a harsh reminder of the ongoing difficulties faced by the people of Gaza.
May Allah ease their suffering, grant them patience, and open paths to peace and recovery. Let us keep them in our duas and support efforts to restore their land and livelihoods. Ameen.
https://www.thenationalnews.co