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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Devastating Impact of Gaza War: Destruction, Humanitarian Crisis, and Unprecedented Suffering

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The recent war in Gaza has had a catastrophic humanitarian impact, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction of the densely populated Palestinian territory's urban landscape. According to satellite imagery analysis by US researchers Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek, nearly 59% of the Gaza Strip's buildings had been damaged or destroyed by September 13, 2024, leaving 169,000 buildings in ruins. The war's material impact has been further exacerbated by the repeated attacks on hospitals, schools, and farmland, leaving an unimaginable level of suffering in its wake.

Key Takeaways:

  • Almost 169,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed in the Gaza Strip, representing nearly 59% of the territory's buildings, according to satellite imagery analysis by Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek.
  • Gaza City has seen over 75% of its buildings damaged or destroyed, with Rafah city along the border with Egypt also severely affected, with 90% of its buildings damaged or destroyed.
  • Rights group Amnesty International reported that 90% of the buildings along 58 square kilometres of Gaza's border territory with Israel appear to have been "destroyed or severely damaged" between October 2023 and May 2024.
  • Hospitals in Gaza have been repeatedly attacked, with only 16 of the territory's 36 hospitals functioning by August.
  • The Israeli army has accused Hamas of using hospitals, schools, and mosques for military purposes, a charge the militant group denies.
  • As of July 6, UNICEF counted 477 schools damaged, representing nearly 85% of its count of 564 facilities.
  • The UN's global fund for education in emergencies reported that nearly 90% of Gaza's school buildings had been damaged or destroyed by September.
  • According to UN satellite imagery, 68% of Gaza's farmland (102 square kilometres) has been damaged, including 78% of north Gaza's farmland and 57% of Rafah's.
  • The Gaza Strip's road network has been severely damaged, with approximately 1,190 kilometres of roads destroyed, 415 kilometres badly damaged, and 1,440 kilometres moderately damaged.

Statistics:

  • 59% of the Gaza Strip's buildings have been damaged or destroyed by September 13, 2024. [1]
  • 169,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed in the Gaza Strip. [1]
  • Gaza City has seen over 75% of its buildings damaged or destroyed. [1]
  • Rafah city has seen 90% of its buildings damaged or destroyed. [2]
  • 477 schools have been damaged, representing nearly 85% of UNICEF's count of 564 facilities. [3]
  • Nearly 90% of Gaza's school buildings have been damaged or destroyed. [4]
  • 68% of Gaza's farmland (102 square kilometres) has been damaged. [5]
  • 1,190 kilometres of roads have been destroyed, 415 kilometres badly damaged, and 1,440 kilometres moderately damaged. [5]

Sources:

[1] Corey Scher and Jamon Van Den Hoek (US researchers)

[2] Amnesty International

[3] UNICEF

[4] Education Cannot Wait (global fund for education in emergencies)

[5] UN satellite imagery and OpenStreetMap

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