In a shocking revelation, a recent World Bank study based on satellite images and media accounts has uncovered the extent of the destruction in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7.
The study indicates that a staggering 45% of residential buildings in the region have been reduced to rubble, leaving over 1 million people homeless.
According to data compiled by the international body, more than 60% of residential structures in the Gaza Strip, amounting to 132,590 buildings, have suffered damage during the prolonged conflict.
The war, which has lasted for over three months, has witnessed relentless Israeli bombardment from land, air, and sea in an effort to dismantle the Hamas terror group and secure the release of hostages abducted on October 7.
The alarming figures include 99,601 structures that have been reported as completely destroyed and rendered uninhabitable. This accounts for nearly half of the estimated 218,656 residential buildings in the Gaza Strip before the conflict, as estimated by the World Bank.
The destruction has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with 1,076,619 Gazans now left without a home out of a total population of approximately 2.2 million.
The World Bank’s findings, disclosed in a bi-weekly interim report distributed to diplomats and obtained by The Times of Israel, paint a bleak picture of the situation on the ground.
The report underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the escalating crisis in the region.
The conflict, marked by its protracted nature and widespread destruction, has left families displaced, homes in ruins, and communities grappling with the aftermath of relentless violence. The toll on civilians, who have borne the brunt of the conflict, is immeasurable.
As the world grapples with the gravity of the situation, calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid have intensified.
International organizations and governments are urged to step up efforts to provide emergency relief to those affected and to facilitate a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
The devastating impact of the war on the Gaza Strip raises questions about the long-term consequences for the region and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to bring about lasting peace.
The international community watches with growing concern as the toll on civilian lives and infrastructure continues to mount, emphasizing the need for a swift and comprehensive response to alleviate the suffering of the people caught in the crossfire.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members