Experts have labeled the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza as the most destructive in modern history, with 70% of homes in the besieged Palestinian enclave destroyed. The Government Media Office confirmed the extent of the damage, stating that over 200 heritage and archaeological sites have also been destroyed. A report from the Wall Street Journal revealed that out of 439,000 homes, approximately 300,000 have been destroyed in the Israeli attacks. Satellite imagery analysis further revealed that the 29,000 bombs dropped on Gaza have primarily targeted residential areas, hospitals, shopping malls, and Byzantine churches. The damage inflicted on civilian infrastructure is said to be irreparable.
Comparisons have been drawn between the bombing of Gaza and historical instances of devastating aerial attacks, such as the bombings of Dresden and other cities during World War II. Political scientist Robert Pape from the University of Chicago commented, “The word ‘Gaza’ is going to go down in history along with Dresden and other famous cities that have been bombed.” The offensive in Gaza has resulted in more destruction than the razing of Syria’s Aleppo, Ukraine’s Mariupol, and the Allied bombing of Germany in World War II. Additionally, the number of civilians killed in Gaza surpasses the casualties caused by the United States-led coalition during its three-year campaign against ISIS.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has also been condemned for its high civilian death toll. Experts estimate that more than 21,500 people have been killed, with 55,000 wounded. Shockingly, over 1,000 children have had their limbs amputated as a result of the Israeli attacks since October 7. While the Israeli army claims to be targeting Hamas fighters, who carried out a deadly attack on October 7, critics argue that the level of destruction is disproportionately high due to Hamas being entrenched within the civilian population.
Gaza’s density and the displacement of its population have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. With 2.3 million people living on just 365 square kilometers of land, Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Media reports and rights groups indicate that the majority of those killed are civilians, with over 70% being children, women, and the elderly. Aid groups warn of hunger and disease outbreaks, as more than 90% of the population is now displaced. However, the delivery of aid has been heavily restricted by Israel, worsening the situation.
The origin of the munitions used in the Israeli bombardment has also raised concerns. Experts analyzing blast fragments and strike footage believe that the majority of bombs dropped on Gaza are US-made. These include 2,000-pound “bunker-busters” that have caused significant casualties in densely populated areas. CNN reported that approximately half of all Israeli munitions dropped on Gaza are imprecise “dumb” bombs, posing a greater threat to civilians. The Israeli military has faced criticism for its tactics, which have led to a higher proportion of civilian casualties.
Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using banned white phosphorous, although Israel denies these claims. The Israeli army maintains that each strike is cleared by legal advisers to ensure compliance with international law. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the army’s chief spokesman, stated, “We choose the right munition for each target – so it doesn’t cause unnecessary damage.”
As the bombardment continues, international attention remains focused on the devastating impact on Gaza’s civilian population and the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
