Three years after the conflict that began with the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, reports from United Nations agencies, humanitarian organizations, and local authorities describe widespread damage to infrastructure and significant changes to living conditions across the Gaza Strip. Data from these groups details the state of Gaza’s economy, healthcare, education, and public services as of October 2026.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 74,245 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. A ceasefire was announced in October 2025. The ministry has since reported that 1,462 Palestinians have been killed in the period following the announcement.
Living Conditions and Infrastructure
United Nations reports indicate a widespread need for basic services. In September, the U.N. stated that 94% of Gaza’s population required shelter and basic household assistance. The same report found that 65% of households were living in tents or other temporary shelters.
Access to utilities remains limited. According to the U.N., 91% of households in Gaza faced moderate-to-high water insecurity in August, an increase from 84% in June. The territory’s electricity grid is not functional, leaving homes and essential services reliant on generators, with fuel and parts being scarce.
Economic and Commercial Activity
The Gaza Strip’s economy has experienced a severe downturn. The U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimated in a September report that 92% of economic establishments in Gaza had been damaged or destroyed since October 2023. The unemployment rate reached 78%, and the per capita GDP was recorded at $212 in 2025, which is 17% of its 2022 level.
The U.N. also reported that consumer prices in September were approximately 200% higher than their levels before October 2023.
Education and Healthcare Systems
The conflict has caused major disruptions to the education system. UNICEF reported that nearly 98% of schools in Gaza have sustained damage or have been destroyed. As of April 2026, an estimated 700,000 students had been out of in-person schooling for nearly three years, with many attending classes in temporary spaces.
Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has been similarly affected. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that all 36 of Gaza’s hospitals have been damaged, with 19 operating at partial capacity. The WHO also reported shortages of medicine, medical equipment, and fuel. Since the conflict began, approximately 12,400 patients have been medically evacuated, though the WHO noted that tens of thousands more require specialized care not available in Gaza.
In a September briefing, the WHO stated that overcrowding and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure were increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Territorial Control and Governance
The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reported in September that Israeli military control and access restrictions covered approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip’s territory. The report said this has led to the concentration of more than two million Palestinians in less than 30% of the area.
In May 2024, an Israeli military operation in Rafah displaced more than 800,000 people, according to the U.N.
Before the conflict, Hamas administered Gaza’s civil and security services. In July, Hamas announced its intention to transfer administrative powers to a technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, though the transition has not been completed.
The U.N. Human Rights Office recorded at least 12 attacks on police facilities between January and May 2026, resulting in 53 deaths, including 35 police officers. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights has stated that attacks on security personnel have contributed to a security vacuum in the region.
