Israeli strikes and demolitions have destroyed dozens of buildings in areas of Gaza City, according to satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated its offensive has gained control over 40% of the city.
Over the past month, intensive bombardments and controlled explosions have levelled entire neighbourhoods. Rows of tents, established to shelter displaced Palestinians from the ongoing military campaign, have disappeared.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the intention to seize the entire Gaza Strip, following the collapse of indirect talks with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release in July.
UN humanitarian officials are warning that the consequences of a full-scale offensive could be beyond catastrophic. Reports indicate a significant rise in casualties, with dozens of Palestinians killed in recent strikes according to health ministry sources in Gaza.
Notable damage has been documented in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan, Zeitoun, and Tuffah neighbourhoods, where numerous structures have been obliterated as part of the ongoing operations. The strikes have not only affected buildings but have significantly altered the landscape, as seen by the tracks left by armoured vehicles in the vicinity of the demolished areas.
In response, the IDF claimed they are targeting terror infrastructures hidden inside civilian buildings. A spokesperson referred to certain areas being transformed into combat complexes utilized by militant groups.
The situation continues to escalate, with humanitarian impacts expected to worsen as the military campaign proceeds. With the displacement of nearly 90% of Gaza's population, the humanitarian crisis looms large.
