In the wake of a sudden attack by Hamas involving thousands of rockets targeting Israel, Israel has declared war on Gaza. 

The Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, announced a comprehensive siege on Gaza, with restrictions on essentials including electricity, water, food, and fuel, describing their opponents as "human animals". International organizations, including the UN, have called this collective punishment a breach of international law.

But where does that leave the residents of Gaza? The daily routine for many in Gaza involves seeking shelter, escaping attacks, and starting over. 

By October 10, the conflict had displaced about 200,000 of Gaza's 2.2 million residents, and the number is anticipated to grow as Israel tells over 1 million civilians to leave the north.

While Israel has faced over 4,500 rockets from Gaza, the death toll has surpassed 1,300, with more than 2,500 injured. At least 14 Americans are unaccounted for, and the U.S. believes some are being held hostage by Hamas. 

Meanwhile, retaliatory bombings by Israel have killed at nearly 1,800 people in Gaza, including nearly 600 children, according to Defense for Children International.

Despite these circumstances, leaving Gaza is nearly impossible for its residents. The region has been under military blockade since 2006, with limited access points to Israel and Egypt, many of which are now sealed. 

Recent actions by Israel have caused significant infrastructure damage, impacting water and sanitation services for almost a quarter of Gaza's population.

As Israel's "Operation Swords of Iron" intensifies, leading to more airstrikes and potential ground assaults, the future remains uncertain for the people of Gaza. 

The escalating death toll and growing concerns raise questions about the next steps in this conflict and the fate of its innocent citizens on both sides of the border.

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