Satellite images analyzed by the United Nations Satellite Center show that 30 percent of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged in the Israeli offensive in the densely populated Palestinian enclave.
The Israeli attack, launched in response to attacks by Hamas militants in southern Israel on October 7, has killed more than 27,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in the Hamas-ruled area.
Airstrikes and shelling wiped out entire neighborhoods, including much of the civilian infrastructure.
“A staggering 69,147 buildings, roughly equivalent to 30 percent of Gaza’s total buildings, were destroyed,” the United Nations Satellite Center, UNOSAT, said.
22,131 structures in the enclave were said to have been destroyed, with an additional 14,066 severely damaged and 32,950 suffering moderate damage.
UNOSAT used satellite photos from January 6 and 7, which it compared with earlier ones, including those dating from before the Israeli offensive.
UNOSAT said the regions of Gaza City and Khan Yunis experienced the most significant increase in damage since previous analyses.
UNOSAT analysis also showed that 93,800 housing units were destroyed in the Gaza Strip.
About 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel, which was the trigger for launching the offensive, Hina news agency reports.
