Gaza: Destruction of buildings rises by nearly 10 per cent since ceasefire

Gaza: Destruction of buildings rises by nearly 10 per cent since ceasefire

13 August 2026

Peace and SecurityNew satellite assessments show the destruction of buildings in Gaza has climbed by nearly 10 per cent since October’s faltering ceasefire between Hamas and Israeli forces aim to end the two-year war, which reduced cities to rubble and displaced more than one million people, UN agencies said on Thursday.

Even with the guns largely silent, Palestinians in Gaza continue to face daily threats from unexploded ordnance left behind by the fighting.Key pointsUN agencies are struggling with shortages of fuel and other essential itemsTeenager injured by unexploded ordnanceAid efforts underway include mine action, summer school and food package distributionAt least three Israeli airstrikes have been reported since Wednesday, including one near Al Amal Hospital in Khan Younis earlier on Thursday, UN Associate Spokesperson Daniela Gross told reporters."Airstrikes on populated areas in Gaza risk increasing harm to civilians," the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) warned.Meanwhile, a 13-year-old was injured by explosive ordnance earlier this week in northern Gaza.Explosive hazard threats Against a landscape of rubble, the threat of explosive hazards is ever present in the shattered enclave.More than 15,000 people participated in awareness-raising sessions related to explosive ordnance last week alone, and mine action partners have carried out 18 assessments to pave the way for rubble removal, the setting up of new shelters and the resumption of farming.“While our partners still lack the permissions and equipment to remove explosive ordnance safely, they are also helping protect people by marking hazards and by educating civilians on how to beware of explosive items,” Ms. Gross said.