Three years of war have reshaped daily life in Gaza
Al Jazeera reports that damage to essential services, repeated displacement and restricted access continue to shape conditions across the enclave.
Three years after the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attack on Israel and Israel’s ensuing war in Gaza, the enclave’s economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure and public services have been severely damaged, according to an Al Jazeera report published on 7 October 2026.
The report says repeated displacement and restricted access have altered daily life for Gaza’s population. A ceasefire was announced in October 2025, but Al Jazeera reports that military activity and civilian hardship have continued.
Shelter and water remain pressing concerns. Citing the UN, the report says 94 per cent of Gaza’s population needed urgent shelter and basic household assistance in September, while 91 per cent of assessed households experienced moderate-to-high water insecurity in early August.
The economic damage has left families with reduced incomes and purchasing power. The UN Conference on Trade and Development estimated that 92 per cent of Gaza’s economic establishments had been damaged or destroyed since October 2023, Al Jazeera reports.
Education and healthcare have also been disrupted. UNICEF figures cited by Al Jazeera indicate that nearly 98 per cent of schools have been damaged or destroyed. The World Health Organization says 19 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are functioning, none at full capacity.
Gaza’s civilian administration has been severely degraded, the report says. Hamas announced in July that it would transfer administrative powers to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, but the proposed transition has yet to take place.
