In recent years, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been enduring continuous airstrikes, severe food shortages, and repeated displacement due to ongoing Israeli military actions in the region.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians and left close to 170,000 seriously wounded, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. The escalation of violence followed an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Despite recent progress in negotiations aimed at ceasing hostilities under the U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative, airstrikes persisted in Gaza over the weekend, just days before the two-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks.
Visual representations like maps and charts depict the extensive damage, Israeli dominance over the region, and the rising death toll after 731 days of conflict.
Destruction
As of October 2, around 60% of structures in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged since October 12, 2023, based on satellite image analysis by researchers from Oregon State University.
This marks a significant increase from nearly 13% in November 2023, shortly after Israel initiated its offensive in Gaza.
The most heavily impacted area remains Gaza City and its surrounding governorate, where approximately 74% of buildings have been either damaged or destroyed during the conflict, with hundreds more targeted and razed in the latest Israeli offensive in Gaza City.
In contrast, the UN estimates that about 78% of all structures in the Gaza Strip were damaged or destroyed as of July 8.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres characterized Israel’s recent actions in Gaza City as “systematic destruction.”
Displacement
Following the devastation on October 7, 2023, much of Gaza City lay in ruins, but around one million Palestinians returned during a temporary ceasefire from January 19 to March 1.
Last month, approximately 400,000 Palestinians were compelled to evacuate Gaza City as Israel launched a major offensive, prompting a mass exodus. Many remained, citing lack of alternatives and means to escape.
“Whether individuals stay in Gaza City due to limited options, inability to flee amid fuel and shelter shortages resulting from Israel’s blockade, or the reluctance to face yet another displacement, Israel must not deprive Gaza City civilians of the protection they deserve,” stated Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s senior director, in a press release on Friday.
The UN has recorded a surge in displacements since early September when the Israel Defence Forces initiated operations targeting high-rise buildings.
Among those forced to flee Gaza City in September was Murad Banat, 50, who recounted the destruction of his homes and shop due to Israeli military actions before seeking refuge in Deir al-Balah.
Banat expressed, “Our three-story home collapsed last month. We are left with no shelter, possessions, or livelihood. We are starting anew, God willing.”
Banat added, “We find solace in knowing that others are enduring similar hardships. Some have suffered more, some less. We are grateful that our children survived unharmed.”
Islam Atallah, 32, was part of the mass displacement from Gaza City after his residence in the Hayy al-Nasr neighborhood came under siege by Israeli forces, facing airstrikes and armed drones.
Atallah narrated the arduous journey to Deir al-Balah with his family, pushing a cart of belongings over two days on foot, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from a home to a tent with no semblance of normal life.
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