April 7, 2024 (EIRNS)—The United Nations’ “Gaza Strip Interim Damage Assessment” shows the unprecedented damage that has been inflicted on the Gaza Strip between October 2023 and end of January 2024. The report was published by the United Nations in collaboration with the World Bank and the European Union on March 29. The report provides the evidence that the Israeli attack after Oct. 7 on Gaza is equivalent to the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey that was carried out preparatory to nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The absolutely devastating attacks on Aug. 6 and Aug. 9, 1945 was carried out largely within the limits of those two Japanese cities. The IDF attack has been carried out against the 141 square miles (365 square km) of the Gaza Strip, containing 2 million people. It has virtually nothing to do with Israel trying to defeat Hamas.
(The U.S. also did a Strategic Bombing Survey on Germany.)
The UN-World Bank-EU report shows the destruction of key sectors of the economy. The report claims that the total devastation is equivalent to $18.5 billion. That World Bank ultra-monetarist methodology is absurdly low, whereas it is almost certainly 10 to 15 times greater than that amount. EIR will concentrate its report on physical parameters.
First, it should be emphasized that as of today, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, more than 32,000 people have been killed, over 75,000 injured, and 75% of the population have been forcibly displaced.
The horrific effect of the Israeli Strategic Bombing Survey is:
Housing: “The ongoing conflict has damaged or destroyed approximately 62% of all homes in Gaza, equivalent to 290,820 housing units.” 76% of the affected units (209,390) are fully destroyed, and 24% (69,797) are partly damaged. Most of that destruction is concentrated in Gaza City, Jabalya, Khan Younis, Beit Lahiya, and Rafah municipalities. By the end of January 2023, more than 1.08 million people would not be able to return to their homes. That number is higher now, likely closer to 1.25 to 1.4 million. Streets, street lights, etc. have been demolished. Destroy housing, and one of the most basic necessities for life’s survival has been eliminated.
Health: “The conflict has damaged or destroyed 84% of all health facilities,” with 649 health facilities being affected. Altogether 29 hospitals, representing more than three-quarters of the hospitals, have suffered extensive damage. Health centers, clinics, and pharmacies have also incurred significant damages, exacerbating the challenge of providing medical services, which has not been forthcoming. Remaining functional health facilities and hospitals continue to face the lack or shortage of electricity supply or fuel for backup electricity generators. There is insufficient clean water. Ambulances have been badly damaged. Separately, Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, reports 340 doctors, nurses and other health workers have been killed.
Various diseases are rampant in internally displaced person (IDP) camps. Children are dying of famine.
