Satellite images analyzed by a UN-affiliated center revealed that 30 percent of the buildings in the Gaza Strip have been completely or partially destroyed during the Israeli assault on the densely populated Palestinian territory. Israel launched a military campaign following an attack by militants from Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths. Health authorities in the Hamas-run territory reported that over 27,000 Palestinians have died due to airstrikes and Israeli shelling, which have also resulted in the destruction of entire neighborhoods, including many civil infrastructure facilities.
The UN satellite center (UNOSAT) stated, "A total of 69,147 buildings were damaged, accounting for approximately 30 percent of the total buildings in the Gaza Strip." The center noted that 22,131 buildings in the Palestinian territory were destroyed, in addition to 14,066 buildings that were severely damaged and 32,950 that sustained moderate damage.
The center utilized satellite images captured between January 6 and 7 and compared them with six other sets of images, some of which were taken before the Israeli attack. According to the center, the most significant damage occurred in the cities of Gaza and Khan Younis compared to earlier analyses. A total of 10,280 buildings were damaged in Gaza, and 11,894 in Khan Younis, in comparison to a previous analysis based on images taken on November 26. The analysis also showed that approximately 93,800 housing units in the Gaza Strip were affected.
