Israel-Hamas war:  Scientific community pessimistic about the future

By- Srushti sharma

The conflict between Israel and Hamas is sending shockwaves across the scientific community, both locally and globally.

Universities in Israel are in sorrow for the scientists and others who lost their lives in the surprise attack on October 7th by Hamas militants.

Researchers claim that Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have damaged numerous of the few and already troubled scientific institutions in the Palestinian enclave

October 8, Israel declared war against Hamas, shortly after its agents had killed over 1300 Israelis and foreigners

The commencement of the autumn semester in Israel was delayed until early November by Israeli colleges and universities

Some have converted their dorms into reservist housing units or emergency shelters for Israelis who have been displaced by the conflict.

Out of the twenty people working in his diabetes and disease detection laboratory, five have enlisted in the military. "Everyone is preoccupied. Everyone is aware of victims of abuse, homicide, or kidnapping, 

A large portion of Gaza's meagre scientific infrastructure is now destroyed. Israeli airstrikes caused substantial damage to two key institutions.

It will take years, if not generations, for the psychological, intellectual, and cultural fabric required for a flourishing academic community to heal from this damage.