DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza, Oct 7: Satellite imagery has revealed the extensive destruction of towns and neighbourhoods across the Gaza Strip following nearly three years of war between Israel and Hamas, with large areas reduced to rubble.
Rafah in southern Gaza, once home to around 250,000 people, has suffered particularly extensive destruction. Satellite images indicate that large parts of the city have been demolished, with rubble cleared from several areas.
The destruction has continued even after the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement reached a year ago. Israel currently controls around 60 per cent of Gaza, while the Palestinian population remains concentrated in a much smaller area.
Gaza's approximately two million residents have endured repeated displacement since Israel launched its military campaign following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel. Large numbers of people have been killed or wounded, while most of the population has been forced from their homes.
The territory has effectively become one of the world's most densely populated areas of temporary shelters, with tents spread across beaches, agricultural land and vacant plots.
Destruction Continues In Israeli-Held Areas
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs shows widespread destruction in areas under Israeli military control, with numerous buildings reportedly demolished or reduced to rubble.
The Israeli military says such demolitions are aimed at preventing Hamas militants from using buildings and at destroying tunnel networks.
The scale of the destruction has drawn international concern. A UN-appointed expert described the damage to civilian housing and infrastructure as unprecedented by the standards of modern warfare and raised concerns over whether some actions could amount to serious international crimes.
Israel has rejected allegations of genocide, maintaining that its military operations target Hamas fighters and infrastructure located within civilian areas.
Planet Labs imagery has also identified at least 50 Israeli military outposts across the Israeli-held portion of Gaza, including at least 18 built since the ceasefire began.
In Rafah, troops have continued demolishing some of the remaining structures. Several UN facilities and a municipal sports field have reportedly remained standing, although the latter now appears to be part of a military installation.
The southern town of Bani Suhaila, once a populated urban centre, has also been extensively levelled, leaving behind large stretches of cleared land and dirt tracks replacing former streets.
In northern Gaza, Jabaliya has suffered widespread destruction. Satellite imagery shows damage to the al-Awda Hospital Complex and several UN-run school buildings. The area was previously home to one of Gaza's largest refugee communities.
Similarly, large parts of Beit Hanoun and the historic Gaza City neighbourhood of Shijaiya have been reduced to blocks of destroyed houses and apartment buildings.
Gaza's Economy And Livelihoods Devastated
The conflict has also severely damaged Gaza's economy and livelihoods. While increased humanitarian aid and commercial supplies have helped ease famine conditions reported in some areas, much of the population remains dependent on international assistance.
Employment opportunities remain scarce, with many people surviving through small-scale market activities.
Among those struggling to rebuild their lives is Shadi Barawi, who lost his father during the war and later suffered a severe injury that resulted in the amputation of his leg.
A barber before the conflict, Barawi has returned to cutting hair to support his family. Working from a tent while relying on crutches, he said he continues to work despite the physical and economic hardships.
Families Continue Searching For Missing Relatives
Thousands of people are also believed to remain buried beneath buildings destroyed during Israeli strikes.
Since the ceasefire, Gaza authorities have been conducting searches for human remains trapped under collapsed structures.
In Gaza City, a search team recently excavated the remains of a destroyed home belonging to Haneen al-Khodari, whose family was killed when the building was struck in December 2023.
She said the remains of 17 relatives were believed to be buried under the rubble. After hours of excavation, search teams recovered the remains of a small child and two bones before suspending the operation.
For families across Gaza, the search for missing loved ones continues amid the vast destruction left by the war.
