Ceasefire Looks Possible Amid Extensive Damage in Gaza

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas appears to be heading toward a possible ceasefire, but the Gaza Strip has faced severe consequences due to the hostilities. Recent satellite images depict the widespread destruction across the territory, which has been primarily closed off from journalists and outside observers.

Among the various images, some highlight a proposed buffer zone that Israel desires to establish, despite facing considerable international criticism. This zone is expected to encompass around 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) of land within the Gaza Strip, which itself is approximately 360 square kilometers (139 square miles). Palestinians view this area, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as essential components of a future sovereign state.

The visuals also capture the significant impact the war has had on the daily lives of the Palestinian people. Gaza City, the territory’s most populated urban area, has suffered devastating losses, with many structures obliterated and streets choked with debris.

As military actions escalated, Israel directed residents to relocate further south. This forced migration is clearly illustrated in recent images of Muwasi, located just north of Gaza’s southern boundary with Egypt, where expansive sandy beaches and fertile farmland are now dotted with thousands of tents visible from space.

The captured images have proven useful for humanitarian organizations and analysts working to gauge the overall impact of the destruction.

Researchers Corey Scher from City University of New York and Jamon Van Den Hoek from Oregon State University have been closely observing the situation in Gaza since the conflict’s escalation on October 7, 2023, following the Hamas insurgency into Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 others. Their most recent findings, released on Thursday, indicate that approximately 59.8% of all buildings in Gaza have sustained damage due to the war.

This figure is somewhat lower than a previous assessment conducted by the United Nations Satellite Center in December, which estimated that 69% of structures in Gaza experienced damage during the conflict. The ongoing violence has reportedly resulted in more than 46,000 fatalities, as per local health authorities. While these figures do not differentiate between combatants and civilians, they suggest that over half of the deceased are women and children.