As of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the world looks back at the last two years with a heavy sense of grief and a demand for justice. The reality in Gaza is no longer just a series of news reports; it is a documented history of the systematic destruction of a people. According to the United Nations Commission of Inquiry report released on September 16, 2025, the actions taken by Israeli forces have moved beyond warfare into the clear legal definition of Genocide. This 72-page report, based on two years of investigation, concluded that Israel is guilty of four out of five acts under the Genocide Convention: mass murder, causing serious harm, inflicting unlivable conditions, and preventing births.
By December 2025, the human toll has reached staggering heights. Official records show over 70,900 direct deaths, though independent researchers estimate the total—including those lost to starvation, disease, and the collapse of the medical system—exceeds 186,000 souls. This means nearly 8% of Gaza's pre-war population has been wiped out. The destruction of the "Conditions of Life" is almost total, with 92% of homes (roughly 436,000 units) destroyed or damaged, leaving nearly 2 million people to survive in tents or under the rubble. This introduction serves as a witness to these facts, ensuring that the names of the lost and the scale of the tragedy are recorded with the honesty and respect they deserve.
1. Al-Ahli Arab Hospital Explosion (October 2023)
This was one of the first major tragedies of the war. An explosion in the hospital's parking lot killed hundreds of people who were sheltering there. It sparked a massive global debate about who was responsible.
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More Info: Wikipedia: Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion
2. Jabalia Refugee Camp Strikes (October 2023)
Jabalia is one of the most crowded places on earth. Huge airstrikes here destroyed several residential blocks. The loss of life was so large that it drew condemnation from leaders all over the world.
3. The "Flour Massacre" (February 2024)
In Gaza City, over 100 people were killed while waiting for food from aid trucks. This incident became a symbol of the desperate hunger people were facing and the dangers of seeking basic help.
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More Info: Wikipedia: Flour Massacre
4. Al-Shifa Hospital Siege (March 2024)
After a two-week military operation, the largest hospital in Gaza was left in ruins. Hundreds of bodies were found, including in mass graves. This event showed how the war had completely destroyed the healthcare system.
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More Info: Wikipedia: Al-Shifa Hospital siege
5. Tel al-Sultan "Tent Massacre" (May 2024)
A strike in an area filled with tents for displaced people in Rafah led to a massive fire. At least 45 people died, and the images of the fire led to the viral "All Eyes on Rafah" social media campaign.
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More Info: Wikipedia: Tel al-Sultan massacre
6. Nuseirat Camp Rescue Operation (June 2024)
A mission to rescue four Israeli hostages led to heavy fighting in the Nuseirat refugee camp. While the hostages were saved, local health officials reported that over 270 Palestinians were killed during the intense battle.
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More Info: Wikipedia: Nuseirat rescue and massacre
7. Al-Mawasi Humanitarian Zone Strike (July 2024)
Al-Mawasi was designated as a "safe zone," but a heavy airstrike targeting a Hamas leader killed at least 90 people there. It showed that even "safe" areas were not free from the violence.
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More Info: Wikipedia: 13 July 2024 Al-Mawasi airstrikes
8. Al-Tabi'een School Strike (August 2024)
A school housing displaced people was hit during dawn prayers. Over 100 people were reported killed, making it one of the deadliest strikes on a school building during the entire war.
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More Info: Wikipedia: Al-Tabi'een School strike
9. Siege of Northern Gaza (October 2024)
A renewed offensive in the north led to weeks of total isolation for the people in Jabalia and nearby areas. Large numbers of people were killed daily as aid was cut off and intense bombing continued.
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More Info: Wikipedia: Siege of North Gaza
10. Beit Lahiya Residential Strike (October 2024)
A massive strike on a residential block in Beit Lahiya reportedly killed nearly 90 people in a single night. This event took place while the healthcare system in the north had almost completely collapsed.
▫️ Key Statistics Summary (2023–2025)
| Incident Type | Major Examples | Reported Toll |
| Hospitals | Al-Ahli, Al-Shifa | Hundreds per event |
| Refugee Camps | Jabalia, Nuseirat | 100+ to 270+ |
| Schools/Shelters | Al-Tabi'een | 100+ |
▫️ Why It Is Important to Remember
Remembering the events in Gaza from 2023 to 2025 is not just about keeping a record of numbers or dates; it is about honoring the basic dignity of the human beings who lived through it. When we choose to remember, we are refusing to let the stories of thousands of families—mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents—be erased from history. Each life lost represented a world of potential, a seat at a dinner table, and a voice in a community. By holding onto these memories, we ensure that their existence is recognized and that their suffering was not in vain. Remembrance is a humane act of solidarity that says to those who survived: "We see you, we hear you, and your pain matters to the rest of the world."
Furthermore, memory is the most powerful tool we have to prevent these horrors from happening again. History shows us that when we forget or turn away from mass violence, we create a "culture of impunity" where such acts can be repeated. Documentation and memory act as a shield for future generations. By looking clearly at the destruction of schools, hospitals, and entire neighborhoods, we force ourselves to confront the consequences of silence and inaction. In 2026, as we face a world filled with misinformation, holding onto the verified truth of what happened in Gaza is a way to protect our own humanity. It reminds us that justice is not just a legal term used in courts, but a living responsibility we all share to protect the vulnerable and speak up against cruelty wherever it occurs. Keeping this memory alive is how we build a future where "Never Again" finally becomes a reality for everyone.
▫️ Why History Will Remember This
The truth of 2026 is that these events are no longer just "debates." With the International Court of Justice (ICJ)Â moving toward a final ruling and countries like Belgium, Brazil, and Spain joining the case against Israel, the legal record is clear. These facts are a testament to the resilience of a people and a warning to the world that justice must be pursued if "Never Again" is to have any meaning.
