Severe Destruction in Gaza After Two-Year War
New satellite images reveal the extent of the devastation in the Gaza Strip following over two years of Israeli strikes during the Israel-Hamas war. The images, released by Planet Labs PBC, show the stark contrast between the region before and after the conflict began on October 7, 2023.
According to the United Nations Satellite Center, an estimated 192,812—about 78%—of all structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. In the southern city of Rafah, where homes and fields once stood, there are now craters and barren wastelands. In Jabaliya, areas once green have turned to dust and dirt around decimated structures. The city of Beit Hanoun appears to have been leveled, with tens of thousands of residents displaced.
The war has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population, which totals about 2 million people, often multiple times. Restrictions on humanitarian aid have contributed to a severe hunger crisis, with experts warning that Gaza City is experiencing famine. The conflict has already killed over 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government. The ministry does not specify how many were civilians or combatants, although it states that women and children make up around half the dead.
The Israel-Hamas war began after Hamas terrorists launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, storming army bases, farming communities, and an outdoor music festival. The attack killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children, and older adults. Hamas abducted 251 others, most of whom have since been released through ceasefires or other deals. Forty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive. Hamas has stated it will release them only in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all hostages are returned and Hamas is removed. Despite the immense human toll, the government maintains its position of resisting further concessions, emphasizing the necessity of the current course of action.