JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has now entered its one hundredth day, with no immediate signs of resolution. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost, Gaza lies in ruins, and the situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly volatile.

The initial attack by Hamas gunmen, which began on October 7, caught Israel off guard and resulted in the deadliest attack in Israeli history. The rampage claimed the lives of over 1,200 people, marking the largest single-day loss of life since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The shocking nature of the attack was further compounded by reports of rape and sexual violence following the onslaught.

In response, Israel launched a relentless and widespread military campaign, involving intense aerial bombardments and a subsequent ground invasion. The assault has devastated Gaza, resulting in the death of nearly 24,000 Palestinians and leaving 60,000 others wounded. This represents the largest loss of Palestinian life in the decades-long conflict with Israel.

Three months on, Israeli soldiers are still engaged in combat with Hamas militants within the ruins of Gaza. The search for those responsible for the initial attack, including Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and military leader Mohammed Deif, continues.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a breaking point, with most of the enclave's hospitals destroyed and hunger becoming a growing threat. The dire conditions have left the lives of Gazans at even greater risk than the Israeli military. The Palestinian ministry of foreign affairs has accused Israel of creating a "circle of death" in Gaza.

International condemnation of the conflict has been widespread, with outrage expressed across the Arab world and calls for restraint from even Israel's closest ally, the United States. South Africa has gone so far as to bring a case before the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide, a charge vehemently rejected by Israel.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire thus far have been unsuccessful, leaving the future of Gaza uncertain. Moreover, violence in the occupied West Bank has reached alarming levels. The United States and other global powers have called for a renewed focus on creating an independent Palestinian state, but the conservative government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to respond.

Though Iran, a key supporter of Hamas, has taunted Israel, direct action has thus far been avoided. Hezbollah, Iran's proxy in Lebanon, has also refrained from an all-out confrontation. However, the activities of the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, such as the recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, pose a growing threat that could potentially escalate the conflict to involve outside powers and further destabilize the global order.

For Israelis, Hamas is viewed as an existential threat, prompting widespread support for the campaign to destroy the group. However, many also attribute the security failures that allowed the initial attack to Netanyahu's leadership. Demonstrations demanding the return of over 130 hostages still held in Gaza took place on Sunday, with posters plastered across the country showcasing their images.

As the conflict persists, Israel's economy faces increasing strain. The release of some of the tens of thousands of reservists called up to fight Hamas allows for their return to their jobs. However, Netanyahu, whose political future hangs in the balance, remains committed to continuing the war until "total victory," as he declared during a news conference commemorating the 100 days of the conflict.

The trauma inflicted by this ongoing conflict has deeply affected both Israelis and Palestinians, further exacerbating the hostilities and mistrust that have hindered the prospects for peace in the region for over seven decades.