Satellite Images Reveal 30% Destruction in Gaza, According to UN Center – Reuters

GENEVA (Reuters) – Analysis of satellite imagery by the United Nations Satellite Centre has revealed that 30% of the structures in the Gaza Strip have been either destroyed or damaged due to the ongoing conflict.

This offensive by Israel began in response to attacks by Hamas militants on October 7, resulting in over 27,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to health authorities in the region controlled by Hamas.

The extensive air strikes, shelling, and demolitions have devastated entire neighborhoods, severely impacting civilian infrastructure. The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) reported that a total of 69,147 structures, representing approximately 30% of the total buildings in Gaza, have been affected. Specifically, 22,131 structures are confirmed as destroyed, 14,066 are classified as severely damaged, and 32,950 have suffered moderate damage.

UNOSAT utilized satellite images from January 6-7 and compared them with six earlier sets of images, some predating the Israeli offensive. The analysis indicated that the areas of Gaza City and Khan Younis experienced the most considerable increase in damage, with 10,280 and 11,894 newly damaged structures, respectively, compared to prior assessments from November 26.

Additionally, the analysis estimated that around 93,800 housing units in the Gaza Strip have been impacted. The conflict initially sparked by the Hamas raid on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in that incident.