Two-thirds of Gaza buildings damaged since October 7 conflict: UN report
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The United Nations reported on Monday that two-thirds of buildings in the Gaza Strip have sustained damage or been destroyed since the war began in October 2023.
According to the latest analysis by the UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), high-resolution satellite imagery collected in early September shows a clear worsening of the situation.
UNOSAT's updated assessment revealed that 66% of Gaza's structures - approximately 163,778 buildings - have been affected by the conflict. This marks an increase from a July report, which indicated that 63% of buildings had been damaged. The September analysis detailed that 52,564 structures have been completely destroyed, 18,913 severely damaged, 35,591 possibly damaged, and 56,710 moderately impacted.
Gaza City has been one of the most affected areas, with 36,611 structures destroyed.
The report also highlighted the deterioration of Gaza's agricultural resources. Around 68% of permanent crop fields have shown significant declines in health and density, contributing to broader economic and humanitarian concerns.
The conflict escalated after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel's military response has led to the deaths of at least 41,615 people in Gaza, primarily civilians, as reported by the territory's health ministry. The UN has described these figures as reliable.
UNOSAT, part of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), provides satellite-based analysis to support humanitarian efforts. "UNOSAT's team has worked tirelessly to provide timely insights into the conflict's impact on Gaza's infrastructure," said UNITAR Executive Director Nikhil Seth.
This data is crucial in shaping international emergency relief and rebuilding efforts in the region.
