Analysis from the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) of satellite imagery reveals that approximately 30% of buildings within the Gaza Strip have suffered destruction or damage due to the Israeli military campaign in the densely populated Palestinian area.
The operation by Israel, initiated in retaliation to attacks from Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of over 27,000 Palestinians, as reported by health officials in the Hamas-administered region. The offensive has led to the decimation of whole city areas and significant civilian infrastructure.
UNOSAT reports that “A total of 69,147 structures, which is around 30% of all structures in the Gaza Strip, are impacted.” The analysis identified 22,131 structures as destroyed, with another 14,066 sustaining severe damage, and 32,950 experiencing moderate damage.
This evaluation utilized satellite images from January 6-7 and was compared against six additional sets of images, some of which predate the onset of the Israeli offensive.
The assessment pointed out that Gaza City and Khan Younis have seen the most extensive increase in destruction since the last analysis, with 10,280 and 11,894 structures respectively incurring new damages since the prior review based on November 26 imagery.
Additionally, UNOSAT’s findings indicate that an estimated 93,800 residential units have been affected in the Gaza Strip.
The Hamas attack on Israel, which precipitated this offensive, resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities.
