The Gaza conflict and its implications for the sustainable development goals : a comprehensive analysis

Hassoun, Abdo, Lopez, Carlos Parra-, Hassen, Tarek Ben, Abdallah, Saker Ben, Shehadeh, Lana, Socol, Claudia Terezia, Rajeb, Abderrahman, Mahdi, Nadia, Samadhiya, Ashutosh, Buheji, Mohamed, Ahmed, Dunya, Temsah, Yehia El-, Khoury, Muna, Hassoun, Ahmad Nour, Dankar, Iman, Althafery, Omer, Trif, Monica and Iriqat, Dalal (2025) The Gaza conflict and its implications for the sustainable development goals : a comprehensive analysis. Environment, Development and Sustainability. pp. 1-33. ISSN 1573-2975 (In Press)

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Abstract

The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has precipitated a severe humanitarian and socioeconomic crisis with profound implications for sustainable development across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. As of June 2025, hostilities have resulted in approximately 55,000 fatalities and thousands of severe injuries, with critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and sanitation facilities, have been devastated. This study examines the far-reaching impacts of the Gaza conflict on progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing mainly on areas such as public health, education, clean water access, and environmental preservation. The roots of the current crisis trace back to 2007, when a blockade was imposed, severely limiting access to essential resources and contributing to prolonged socio-economic decline. Escalating hostilities since October 2023 have intensified these challenges, leading to the degradation of vital natural resources, widespread environmental pollution, and further damage to already fragile ecosystems. This research employs a comprehensive review of both scholarly and grey literature, utilizing data from international reports and region specific studies to assess how conflict-driven disruptions have impacted Gaza’s trajectory toward critical SDGs. The study applies the ‘Wedding Cake’ model of sustainable development to illustrate how environmental degradation undermines social structures and economic stability. By framing Gaza’s challenges within the SDG framework, this analysis underscores the critical need for a multifaceted, globally coordinated response to address the intertwined crises of human suffering, environmental destruction, and economic collapse. Ultimately, the study advocates for sustainable solutions prioritizing ecological health and resilience as foundations for long-term peace and recovery in Gaza and beyond.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Gaza | Sustainable development goals | Environmental degradation | Socioeconomic impact | Humanitarian crisis | Infrastructure damage | Resilience
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Social Sciences (General)
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Health (Social sciences)
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Human Rights
JGU School/Centre: Jindal Global Business School
Depositing User: Mr. Luckey Pathan
Date Deposited: 09 Oct 2025 13:04
Last Modified: 09 Oct 2025 13:04
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-025-06763-7
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/10241

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