Nearly 75% of buildings across the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed since October 7, 2023, according to a satellite-based structural analysis conducted by researchers at Oregon State University. The findings highlight the devastating scale of destruction in the Palestinian territory following years of conflict.

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The analysis estimates that approximately 245,981 buildings, representing 74.5% of Gaza's pre-war building stock, have likely suffered damage or been destroyed. The research was conducted by Conflict Ecology, a geospatial research laboratory at Oregon State University, led by Associate Professor of Geography Jamon Van Den Hoek.

Researchers used satellite radar data to assess structural changes across Gaza, offering an overview of the widespread impact of military operations on residential and other buildings.

The findings come as Gaza marks three years since the October 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the latest phase of the conflict. According to the report, Israeli strikes continued in October 2026, with at least three people reportedly killed in attacks on October 7. An earlier strike on an apartment building reportedly killed five people, including four women.

The extensive destruction has raised serious concerns about housing, infrastructure, and the challenges of rebuilding communities across the territory. Damaged buildings can also affect access to essential services and make it harder for displaced residents to return to their homes.

Satellite-based assessments provide important evidence for understanding the physical consequences of conflict, particularly in areas where direct access and comprehensive ground surveys may be difficult.

While the research estimates the scale of building damage, the long-term recovery of Gaza will depend on security conditions, humanitarian assistance, reconstruction resources, and the restoration of essential infrastructure.