GENEVA: The United Nations said on Monday that two-thirds of the buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed since Israel commenced its bombardment campaign in October 2023, which has resulted in over 41,615 Palestinian fatalities.
This assessment was provided by the UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), which utilized high-resolution imagery to update its damage estimates.
According to UNOSAT, analysis conducted on September 3 and 6 revealed a significant deterioration in the condition of Gaza’s infrastructure. “This analysis… shows that two-thirds of the total structures in the Gaza Strip have sustained damage,” the report stated.
Specifically, the assessment indicates that 66 percent of buildings—equivalent to approximately 163,778 structures—have been affected by the ongoing Israeli bombardments. “Those 66 percent of damaged buildings in the Gaza Strip account for 163,778 structures in total,” it said.
The latest figures reveal that 52,564 structures have been destroyed outright, while 18,913 are classified as severely damaged, and 35,591 have been possibly damaged. Additionally, 56,710 buildings are reported to be moderately affected. Gaza City has been particularly hard hit, with 36,611 structures reported destroyed.
The UNOSAT and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization highlighted that approximately 68 percent of permanent crop fields in Gaza have experienced a significant decline in health and density as of September.
Since October 7, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing at least 41,615 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to figures provided by the territory’s health ministry. The UN has described the figures as reliable.
The UNOSAT, part of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), utilizes satellite imagery to provide insights into conflict-related damage, aiding humanitarian efforts in the region.
Nikhil Seth, executive director of UNITAR, remarked, “Over the past year, UNOSAT’s team has worked tirelessly to provide the world with precise and timely insights into the impact of the conflict on buildings and infrastructure in Gaza.”
