It's been a year since the brutal attack by Hamas on Israel. The situation in Gaza has plummeted into disaster since then.

Hamas, in its terror attack, killed some 1,200 people and took hostages, some of whom are still in captivity today. Israel retaliated, but its vengeance has resulted in thousands of Palestinian civilians being killed in airstrikes and bombardments. Palestinian health authorities, according to Reuters, say Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 41,500 people.

An international court case was filed, and South Africa accused the country of committing genocide against Palestinians. In January of this year, the Associated Press reported that The United Nations' top court ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza. The case goes on.

The war has continued.

The Israel-Palestinian issue was never an easy one to navigate. There was already a lot of hatred for the opposing side on both sides. But the world hoped it would never erupt into this. The world hoped, and still hopes, that a two-state solution could be found. The world never wanted to see an all out war, never wanted to see so many civilians slaughtered.

Realistically speaking, the thought of a two-state solution has never seemed as far away as it does now.

The conflict is widening. Israel now bombards Lebanon targetting Hezbollah. Iran retaliated, launching missiles at Israel. The world looks on as tensions rise. Israel might yet react to Iran's attack, and if it does, how? What impact will it have? Meanwhile, civilians in the region fear for their lives.

Israel wants to rid itself of those who would be a threat, but at the same time too many innocents have died. Israelis will not forget October 7, when Hamas slaughtered civilians and took hostages. Palestinians will not forget the killing of their family members and the levelling of their homes. Its a terrible cycle which almost seems impossible to break.

It's been a year of bloodshed, but something must be done to bring about peace. That has to start with the easing of tensions in the region. The big question, is how? The sheer amount of lives lost will make it difficult. Losing friends, families, homes, creates more hate.

What will it take to end the conflict? Perhaps the international community needs to make stronger efforts to push for peace. So far efforts have not been successful. The United Nations needs to do more.

We saw a ceasefire brought about before. That needs to be the start. Peace talks must then follow. That in itself will not be easy. The issue of Hamas, a terrorist organisation, will also be one that needs to be tackled, as will the atrocities conducted by both sides.