Recent satellite imagery has highlighted the devastating impact of over two years of conflict in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war with Hamas.
On Tuesday, Planet Lab PBC released photos depicting the region before and after the onset of hostilities.
According to a July report from the United Nations Satellite Centre, around 192,812 structures—nearly 78% of all buildings—have been either damaged or completely destroyed.
What used to be a populated area with homes and fields in Rafah has now transformed into a landscape marked by craters and desolation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to mark two years in office coinciding with the October 7 attacks by Hamas, asserting that Israel “is not broken” and pledging to secure the release of hostages.
In Jabaria, north of Gaza City, once-green areas around the devastated buildings have turned to dust. In Beit Hanoun, located in northeastern Gaza, the city appears entirely flattened. Prior to the war, it was home to tens of thousands.
The retaliation from Israel has led to the displacement of about 90% of Gaza’s population, estimated at around 2 million. Additionally, humanitarian restrictions have exacerbated the severe hunger crisis, with experts indicating that hunger is rampant in Gaza City.
The conflict has reportedly claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, although it remains unclear how many of those were civilians versus combatants, as per the Gaza Ministry of Health, affiliated with Hamas. Notably, around half of the casualties are women and children.
Initially sparked by surprise attacks from Hamas on southern Israel—targeting army posts, rural regions, and outdoor music festivals—the violence resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
During these assaults, Hamas also kidnapped 251 people. Some have since been released through ceasefires and negotiations, but 48 hostages remain, with Israeli officials estimating that about 20 are still alive.
Hamas has stated that they will only release these hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal.
Netanyahu has committed to continuing the military campaign until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.
