12 December 2023, Geneva, Switzerland - Eighteen per cent of structures in the Gaza Strip have been damaged since the outburst of the conflict. This figure comes from a new satellite imagery analysis conducted by the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) based on an image collected on 26 November 2023 with the very-high resolution WorldView-3 satellite. Additionally, there has been a staggering 49% increase in total structures affected since the last assessment on 7 November 2023.
As of 26 November 2023, UNOSAT has identified 10,049 destroyed structures, 8,243 severely damaged structures, and 19,087 moderately damaged structures, totaling 37,379 structures affected. This corresponds to around 18% of the total structures in the Gaza Strip. This alarming figure represents a significant and urgent humanitarian concern in the region.
Of particular concern are the governorates of North Gaza and Gaza, which have witnessed a substantial surge in damage. North Gaza has reported 3,806 new structures damaged, while Gaza has experienced damage to 6,243 structures. Notably, Gaza City has recorded the highest number of newly destroyed structures, with a total of 2,397.
Comparing this data with our assessment on 7 November 2023, where UNOSAT identified 6,583 destroyed structures, 6,062 severely damaged structures, and 12,405 moderately damaged structures, for a total of 25,050 structures, there has been a 49% increase in the total number of damaged structures, highlighting the escalating impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructures.
These findings underscore the urgent need for immediate ceasefire and support to address the growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The impact on civilian infrastructures is evident, with thousands of homes and essential facilities being damaged.
UNOSAT remains committed to providing accurate and timely information to support humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected areas. Our satellite imagery based analysis serves as a crucial tool for assessing the extent of damage and guiding emergency relief efforts.
For more information
Please contact:
Olivier Van Damme - olivier.vandamme@unitar.org
Anne-Sophie Faivre Le Cadre - annesophie.faivrelecadre@unitar.org
About UNOSAT
The United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) is part of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), with a mandate to provide United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies with satellite analysis, training and capacity development, at their request, as well as to support Member States with satellite imagery analysis over their respective territories and to provide training and capacity development in the use of geospatial information technologies, on the basis of voluntary contributions. By leveraging advanced technology, UNOSAT contributes to informed decision-making and facilitates the delivery of aid in crisis situations.