Palestine - October 2023

In October 2023, the Israel-Palestine conflict intensified as war broke out in Gaza and violence intensified in the West Bank. This escalation began on 7 October, when Hamas-led groups from Gaza attacked Israel,  killing as many as 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages. Israel retaliated with a comprehensive counteroffensive, declaring war and enforcing a total siege on Gaza. The territory has been cut off from essential resources such as electricity, food, medicine, and water. This counterstrike caused substantial casualties and infrastructural damage in Gaza, including to healthcare facilities, schools, and residential areas. Although Israel claimed its primary targets were Hamas' political and military leaders, many civilian buildings and facilities were damaged or destroyed. The offensive led to the displacement of over 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza, with about half sheltering in United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) facilities. According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, this had resulted in over 9,000 Palestinian deaths, including more than 3,900 children, as of 4 November. This month has further marked the deadliest period for journalists covering the conflict since 1992. At least 36 journalists have been killed, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, violent encounters between Israeli forces, settlers, and Palestinians resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths. Starting from 7 October, Israel enforced a complete closure of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, reportedly arresting 1,500 Palestinians. Israeli airstrikes on 19 and 22 October in the West Bank led to more than a dozen fatalities. Reports also surfaced of settler violence against Palestinians, causing further displacement.

Sources: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Relief Web, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Al Jazeera (1), Haaretz, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Cable News Network, Al Jazeera (2)