Before and after: Satellite photos reveal extent of Gaza destruction -
Palestinians estimate the cost of rebuilding destroyed structures at $5 billion.
By Haaretz | Aug. 7, 2014
Haaretz
▻http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.609296
Satellite photos released by the UN, showing areas in the Gaza Strip before and after Operation Protective Edge, reveal the extent of destruction caused during 29 days of fighting.
Palestinian Labor Minister estimated this week the cost of rebuilding Gaza’s destroyed structures – not including damage to private property – at $5 billion.
According to Palestinian data, 10,000 housing units were completely destroyed during the conflict, and 30,000 were partially damaged. Dozens of government and office buildings were also wrecked. Most of the devastation was caused in the Shujaiyeh and Beit Hanoun neighborhoods. On Wednesday, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz spoke about the destruction in the Gaza Strip: “The consequences in Gaza are devastating,” he said, “and the tragic blame is on the Hamas leaders, who operated from population centers.” Speaking at his first press conference since the ground offensive in Gaza began, Gantz added that “they will come out and see the extent of damage caused to Hamas forces, and, unfortunately, to Gaza’s population.”
