Up to 50% of buildings in northern Gaza and the Gaza provinces have been damaged since October 7, when the Israel-Hamas war began, CNN reports, citing an analysis of satellite radar (SAR) data conducted by researchers at two university institutions, the City University of New York Graduate Center and Oregon State University.

The researchers’ findings for different areas in Gaza from October 7 to November 18:

  • At least 20% of buildings across the entire Gaza Strip were likely damaged.
  • Some 18,300 to 23,500 buildings are likely to have been damaged in northern Gaza, which equates to 40% to 51% of the buildings in the governorate, where the enclave’s capital is located.
  • In the Gaza governorate, in Gaza City24,600 to 31,300 buildings are likely to have been damaged by the fighting, equivalent to 40% to 50% of the buildings there.

Researchers also told CNN that since Nov. 10, there has been a notable increase increased damage to buildings in Khan Younis and Deir al-Bala provinces; that is, to the areas Israel has repeatedly told civilians from the north to head to.

The Israeli Defense Minister Joab Gallant stated last week that the country’s forces they control northern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped leaflets in areas of southern Gaza, warning communities east of Khan Younis to “head to known safe havens”, indicating a possible extension of the Israeli ground offensive south.