Two Years of Genocide in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis

As of October 2025, the conflict in Gaza has entered its third year, marked by widespread destruction and significant loss of life. The United Nations has formally recognized the situation as genocide, with reports indicating that over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of hostilities in October 2023. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, leading to a declared famine in parts of Gaza.

Gaza in a thousand faces: Two years of Israel’s genocideCommon DreamsMiddle East Eye

The ongoing blockade imposed by Israel has systematically obstructed the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian population. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have condemned Israel's actions as a deliberate strategy to inflict starvation as a weapon of war. Reports indicate that at least 460 individuals have died from hunger-related causes, with children and vulnerable populations being disproportionately affected. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has highlighted the dire conditions, stating that "in Gaza, for two long years people have known nothing but destruction, displacement, bombardment, fear, death, and hunger."

The international community has faced criticism for its inadequate response to the situation. Calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages have been echoed by various human rights organizations and UN officials. Despite the overwhelming evidence of atrocities, including mass killings and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, concrete actions to hold perpetrators accountable have been lacking. The UN Commission of Inquiry has urged member states to take measures to prevent further genocidal acts, yet the political will to enforce these recommendations remains absent.

A UN Gaza genocide report, dead on arrival – South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC)

Critics argue that the complicity of powerful nations, particularly the United States, has enabled Israel's actions. The U.S. has historically provided military and political support to Israel, often vetoing UN resolutions aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis. This complicity has led to widespread calls for a reassessment of international alliances and a push for greater accountability for those involved in the conflict.

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Eyewitness accounts from Gaza reveal the profound psychological and physical toll of the conflict. Residents describe a constant state of fear, with many children exhibiting signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. The destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals has left the population in a state of despair, with many families displaced multiple times. Activists and journalists within Gaza have worked tirelessly to document the realities on the ground, often at great personal risk.

Gaza in a thousand faces: Two years of Israel’s genocide

As the world marks two years since the onset of this humanitarian crisis, the need for a comprehensive and just resolution becomes increasingly urgent. Advocates emphasize the importance of recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Without accountability and a commitment to justice, the cycle of violence and suffering is likely to continue, underscoring the moral imperative for the international community to act decisively.

Middle East Eye