Devastation in Gaza: More than half of buildings destroyed | AlMomento.net

NEW YORK – The latest BBC analysis shows the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following Israel’s military countermeasures against Hamas attacks on October 7, a significant portion of Gaza’s infrastructure suffered extensive damage, severely disrupting the lives of its residents.

Shelling, particularly intense in southern and central Gaza, has increased dramatically since December. Khan Younis, the central city of the conflict, was the most affected by this military operation, and many images bear witness to it.

Detailed satellite images show that residential areas, busy shopping streets, universities and farmland have been severely affected.

The destruction has led to the formation of tent cities along the southern border, housing thousands of displaced people, including children who have survived the humanitarian crisis.

Severity of damage

An analysis conducted by Corey Sher of the City University of New York and Jamon van den Hoek of Oregon State University and obtained by the news network used images to compare changes in the height and structure of buildings, indicating significant damage.

Their findings indicate that between 144,000 and 175,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed across Gaza, representing between 50% and 61% of all buildings.

In Khan Yunis alone, more than 38,000 buildings, more than 46% of the city’s structures, were damaged or destroyed, and more than 1,500 buildings were affected in the last fortnight alone.

Emergence of tent cities
The conflict has not only affected urban areas, but has also had a severe impact on Gaza’s agricultural lands.

Additional analysis by BBC Verify shows that large areas of previously cultivated land across Gaza have been severely damaged, affecting food production and putting half of Gaza’s population at risk of famine.

Satellite images captured between December and January show a dramatic transformation in northwest Rafah, where almost all accessible, undeveloped land has been turned into shelters for displaced people.

However, it is not necessary to resort only to the BBC’s analysis, as there is evidence of these cities, which have grown with the bare minimum to survive.

This mass displacement intensified when Israel advised Palestinians in northern and central Gaza to move south for their safety.

There are images on social networks, which show these “tent cities”, and in which hundreds of minors are shown in pitiable conditions.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened in recent days due to severe food shortages and a lack of adequate medical aid, exacerbated by a prolonged blockade.

The densely populated Gaza Strip faces a constant challenge in terms of access to basic resources, including nutritious food and essential healthcare.

Restrictions on the import of goods and the destruction of key infrastructure have led to an alarming situation, where large sections of the population suffer from food insecurity and lack access to vital medical services.