An analysis seen by the BBC reveals that more than half of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed since Israel launched its retaliation for the Hamas attacks on October 7. The destructive impact of the bombings can be seen in detailed before and after images, with the city of Khan Younis bearing the brunt of the destruction.
The staggering level of damage has left residential areas in ruins, previously bustling shopping streets reduced to rubble, universities destroyed, and farmland devastated. This has resulted in the displacement of around 1.7 million people, with more than 80% of Gaza’s population now homeless, according to the United Nations.
A further analysis conducted by BBC Verify highlights the extensive damage to farmland, with large areas of previously cultivated land across Gaza severely affected. The destruction of agriculture has had a devastating impact on food production, with aid agencies warning that half of Gaza’s population now faces hunger.
The destruction of buildings and agricultural lands in Gaza has raised questions about the extent and justification for Israel’s military action. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed that they are targeting both Hamas fighters and “terrorist infrastructure,” there are concerns about the destruction of buildings seemingly under IDF control.
The devastation has also impacted Gaza’s historic sites, with the al Omari mosque, originally built in the 7th century, suffering extensive damage. The destruction of other historic landmarks, along with the rapid pace of damage, has caught the attention of experts who have compared the situation in Gaza to other war zones they have analyzed.
In response to the analysis, the IDF has defended its actions, stating that operational needs require certain locations to be destroyed or attacked. However, aid experts fear that the damage to Gaza’s agriculture will be long-lasting, with rehabilitating agricultural land and rebuilding infrastructure presenting significant challenges.
The latest pronounced change in Gaza is the emergence of a tent city in the south, where displaced people have set up temporary shelters. This proliferation of temporary structures reflects the dire situation facing the people of Gaza, many of whom are now living in uncertain and precarious conditions.
The widespread destruction caused by the conflict in Gaza has not only displaced millions of people but has also devastated communities, livelihoods, and historical landmarks. With the impact of the conflict likely to be felt for years to come, the international community faces the challenge of supporting Gaza in its recovery and rebuilding efforts.