The morning of October 7, 2023, was one that no one could have imagined. On that day, fighters from Gaza — especially the Al-Qassam Brigades — crossed the border and entered Israeli towns. It wasn’t just an attack; it was the opening of a new chapter in history — one that shook not only Israel but the entire world.
From that moment, the Palestinian struggle once again became the center of global discussion. As the martyred leader Yahya al-Sinwar had once said, “We will force the world to confront Israel so that we may receive our rights,” his words began to come true. For the first time, Israel found itself under accusations of genocide and war crimes. Human rights organizations, international courts, and even state institutions began openly criticizing Israel. It felt as if the “Al-Aqsa Flood” had uprooted the very foundation of Israel’s narrative.
Before the Storm
Before this event, the Palestinian issue had almost been forgotten. The wave of normalization agreements — the “Abraham Accords” — had shifted Arab attention toward economic interests and friendly ties with Israel. But Gaza’s resistance reminded the world that Palestine was still alive — and stronger than ever.
Israeli journalist Gideon Levy described it powerfully:
“Gaza has become another Hiroshima, but its spirit is alive. The Palestinian cause had vanished from the global agenda, yet the Al-Aqsa Flood brought it back before the world’s conscience. Today, the world feels sorrow and love for the Palestinians.”
Political Earthquake
The impact wasn’t just emotional — it became political and practical.
In May 2024, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution — supported by 143 countries — calling for Palestine’s full membership. Soon after, Norway, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia officially recognized the State of Palestine.
By mid-2025, 159 countries had recognized Palestine — including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia, all of which were once strong Israeli allies. History, it seemed, had turned a corner.
Israeli journalist Ben Caspit wrote in Maariv:
“The defeat of October 7 was the most humiliating and painful in Israel’s history. We never thought we would see such a day.”
Even former military chiefs admitted it. Aviv Kochavi, ex–Chief of Staff, said:
“The calm in the south was an illusion. Hamas wasn’t silent; it was preparing underground. Our greatest mistake was arrogance and negligence.”
Former commander Shmuel Zakai added:
“Technology’s biggest enemy is simplicity. Cheap drones and hand grenades destroyed our most advanced systems.”
Indeed, Israel’s advanced defenses — the Iron Dome, C-Dome, and countless radars — were overwhelmed by simple weapons. When Israel struck back with confidence, it expected victory in days. Two years later, Gaza still stands — and Israel faces daily military, human, and psychological defeats.
The Crumbling Army
Two years of war revealed that Israel’s military strength was built on fear and propaganda. Its claim to be “the world’s most moral army” is now a global joke. Israeli data itself shows that since October 2023, over 1,150 soldiers and officers have been killed — 40% under the age of 21 — and 80,000 are receiving psychological treatment. Thousands have refused service altogether.
To fill the gaps, Israel has begun recruiting women into combat units and calling on Jews from abroad to enlist. The military faces a shortage of 12,000 soldiers and 300 officers, according to Israeli outlet Walla.
Internal Collapse
The war is no longer limited to Gaza — it’s inside Israel itself: a war of trust, leadership, and identity. Two years later, Israel has yet to recover from this psychological blow. Once proud of being “indestructible,” its army and people are now deeply divided.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps declaring victory, but his own officers admit:
“This war cannot be won — it is destroying us.”
Over 4,000 soldiers have been permanently disabled. Recruitment has dropped to historic lows — only 54% of the 2024 target was met. Many young Israelis avoid service by claiming religious exemption or emigrating abroad.
One commander confessed:
“Our soldiers are fighting not to win — but to survive.”
Israel’s greatest defeat, then, is not military — it’s social. The country is now split between religious extremists, who want a purely Jewish state, and secular Israelis, who see themselves as European. Ministers like Itamar Ben Gvir and Smotrich openly call for wiping out Gaza and expanding West Bank settlements — moves condemned even by senior Israeli officials.
The newspaper Haaretz warned:
“Israel is on the brink of civil war between religious and secular Jews. If things continue, the next battle won’t be in Gaza — it’ll be in Tel Aviv.”
Netanyahu’s popularity has collapsed to 18%, with protests filling the streets. Thousands of soldiers’ parents hold banners reading, “Bring our children home — not for your politics!” This movement has evolved into a nationwide “Ceasefire Campaign” backed by former ministers and generals.
Economic Breakdown
The Gaza war has devastated Israel’s economy.
The defense budget nearly doubled — from $24 billion in 2022 to $49 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, Israel’s once-booming high-tech industry has crashed: investment fell 63%, foreign companies withdrew, and 800,000 Israelis lost their jobs.
The Bank of Israel reports losses of 95 billion USD, with growth falling from 5.1% to just 1.4%. The shekel hit a 20-year low, and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange saw share prices cut in half. Such an economic collapse hasn’t been seen since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
Social & Psychological Crisis
The psychological damage is immense.
A Tel Aviv University study found that between 2024–2025, suicide rates rose 37%, and the number of Israelis wishing to emigrate jumped from 27% to 41%. Sociologist Adel Ruen writes:
“Our youth are a frightened generation. They trust neither the army, the government, nor the future. Israel has become a refugee camp that’s lost its direction.”
The conclusion is clear: Israel’s real defeat happened not in Gaza, but within Israel itself. Netanyahu, who once vowed to “erase resistance,” is now a fading figure. As Al-Qassam’s spokesman Abu Ubaida said:
“We did not strike Israel’s body — we struck its soul.”
Global Reaction and Israel’s Isolation
Two years later, the Al-Aqsa Flood has reshaped global politics, culture, and public opinion.
1. United Nations and Diplomacy
The May 2024 UN session strengthened Palestine’s status and urged the Security Council to review its membership. Following that, many countries officially recognized Palestine — a direct result of public pressure and shifting diplomacy.
2. Public Movements
Across Europe, mass protests erupted in solidarity with Gaza. Over 45,000 rallies took place in 700–800 cities within two years, pushing governments to reconsider their stances.
3. Aid Flotillas
In mid-2025, the “Global Sumood Flotilla” tried to deliver aid to Gaza. Israeli naval forces intercepted several ships, sparking outrage and diplomatic protests — especially after the October 2025 seizure of the Freedom / Sumood Flotilla in international waters.
4. Changing American Opinion
Even in the United States, where Israel long enjoyed strong support, public opinion has shifted — especially among youth. A 2025 survey found 53% of Americans view Israel negatively (up sharply from 2022). University protests and online movements have reshaped the national debate.
5. Cultural Response
Thousands of artists, filmmakers, and musicians have boycotted Israeli institutions and film festivals. This cultural resistance turned the conflict into a battle of soft power, spreading awareness through art and media.
6. Social and Political Effects Worldwide
In many countries, people protested against Israeli trade ties and diplomacy. Palestinian flags appeared in public squares, universities, and sports arenas. In some places, even visa and trade policies were affected.
7. The Digital Front
The war also unfolded online. Livestreams, videos, and social media transformed every incident into a global story. Competing narratives clashed fiercely — showing that information itself has become a battlefield.
Lasting Impact
In summary, the Al-Aqsa Flood reshaped the world:
The Palestinian cause returned to the global agenda.
Public opinion and protests pressured governments.
UN policies and European politics shifted noticeably.
The next generation — Gen Z — has seen Israel’s actions with its own eyes and grown disillusioned with it.
These young people will be the future leaders and policymakers of the world — and when they rise, their experiences will shape global politics for decades to come.