Israeli forces have destroyed or severely damaged 82% of all buildings in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. The PCBS reported that approximately 134,422 structures have been completely destroyed, with the damage also affecting 90% of Gaza’s water and sanitation infrastructure. This has led to the mass displacement of over 90% of the territory’s 2.1 million residents.
The destruction has been attributed to Israeli military operations during the ongoing conflict. The PCBS data highlights the scale of the damage, which includes residential, commercial, and public buildings. The loss of critical infrastructure has exacerbated humanitarian conditions, with limited access to clean water and sanitation services.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leading to a large-scale military response by Israeli forces. Since then, the Gaza Strip has experienced extensive bombardment and ground operations. The Israeli government has maintained that its actions are necessary to combat terrorism and ensure national security.
The destruction of such a high percentage of buildings underscores the severity of the situation in Gaza. International humanitarian organizations have called for an independent investigation into the extent of the damage and its impact on civilian populations. The ongoing conflict continues to raise concerns about the long-term consequences for the region.
