On July 6, 2026, Gaza marked 1,000 days since the onset of what is termed a genocidal war by Israel. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, more than 90% of the Strip has been destroyed. The Ministry of Health reported that since the October ceasefire, the death toll has reached 1,072, with a cumulative total of 73,098 deaths since October 2023.
Violence Continues Amid Commemoration
The recent anniversary was overshadowed by ongoing violence. Israeli forces conducted drone strikes, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians, including a child, in the days leading up to the anniversary. Local reports indicated that strikes on temporary shelters for displaced individuals occurred repeatedly throughout the week.
In response to the dire humanitarian situation, residents protested outside al-Shifa Hospital, demanding that Israel lift travel restrictions on medical evacuations. Gaza health authorities stated that over 20,000 people are currently awaiting exit through the Rafah crossing, which remains heavily restricted.
Health Crisis and Detained Medical Professionals
The health crisis is exacerbated by the detention of medical professionals. Elyas Abu Safiya reported that his father, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, is facing serious health issues after spending more than 555 days in Israeli prison. Elyas stated, "His face was disfigured from the marks of torture and pain..." The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called for Dr. Abu Safiya’s immediate release, citing violations of international human rights laws.
Transition of Authority in Gaza
Amidst the ongoing crisis, a significant political shift is occurring in Gaza. In a meeting in Ayia Napa, representatives from the US-led Board of Peace, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, discussed plans for the temporary reconstruction of Gaza, which is now designated free from Hamas control. The Hamas-run government announced its resignation, transferring authority to a technocratic committee.
Ali Shath, head of the new committee, stated they are prepared to take over as soon as the necessary resources are available. However, the Board of Peace has declared that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, "has no place in the new Gaza," a statement that has been rejected by Palestinian leadership.
Further complicating the situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid the foundation for a new heritage center at the former Qalandia Airport site on July 3. This event coincided with the Israeli Security Cabinet approving the establishment of 13 new settlements in the Binyamin bloc, which aims to sever East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings.
- Over 90% of Gaza is destroyed.
- Death toll reaches 73,098 since October 2023.
- Protests for medical evacuations continue.
- Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya faces health issues in prison.
- New governing authority announced for Gaza.
- Thirteen new Israeli settlements approved.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
