Gaza destruction has reached a scale that satellite data now documents in detail. The UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) estimated that 201,290 structures, or 82 per cent of all structures in the Gaza Strip, had sustained damage as of 16 June 2026, with 134,422 classified as destroyed. Finn Right is deeply concerned that this level of damage threatens the right to housing, health, food and an adequate standard of living for the civilian population.
This report draws on UNOSAT and FAO-UNOSAT assessments, UN agencies, Amnesty International and public reporting.
Newly updated satellite imagery on Google Maps, including images from February 2026, shows extensive destruction across the Strip nearly three years into the conflict. Finn Right has not independently verified the satellite data. It relies on the assessments of the bodies cited and labels each finding by evidence type.
Scale of Gaza Destruction: Key Data
Verified UN assessments
- UNOSAT estimated 328,627 housing units damaged as of 16 June 2026, and found destroyed structures 9% higher than in its October 2025 assessment.
- A separate FAO-UNOSAT assessment found only 3% of Gaza’s cropland remained both accessible and undamaged as of 24 June 2026.
- The North Gaza governorate had the highest share of damaged cropland, 94% by July 2025, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
- UN Trade and Development reported that 92% of Gaza’s economic establishments had been damaged or destroyed since October 2023.
- UNOSAT found the number of destroyed structures rose by 9% after the October 2025 ceasefire took effect. The ceasefire has therefore not halted the physical destruction.
- UN satellite data highlights the scale of destruction in Gaza and raises serious concerns over the protection of civilians and fundamental human rights.
- UN satellite data highlights the scale of destruction in Gaza and raises serious concerns over the protection of civilians and fundamental human rights.
Not independently verified by Finn Right
- Reports that at least 1.4 million people are displaced, and that more than 280,000 tents or shelters exist across Gaza.
- Figures on farmland inaccessibility in specific areas such as Rafah.
Evidence of a Pattern of Destruction
Amnesty International has documented what it describes as a pattern of destruction of civilian areas without imperative military necessity. In May 2026 it published an investigation of the levelling of at least 13 multi-storey buildings in Gaza City between September and October 2025, based on satellite imagery, 25 verified videos and 16 interviews.
Amnesty has also characterised aspects of the conduct as acts of genocide, and has called for investigation of wanton destruction and collective punishment as war crimes.
Finn Right treats these as serious findings by a respected monitor. They are not judicial determinations. Amnesty reported that it had received no reply from the Israeli defence ministry to its questions by the time of publication. Israel’s position on these allegations should be sought and published whenever it is available.
Humanitarian Access
Reports indicate that humanitarian access remains heavily restricted, including limits on international organisations, staff rotation and the entry of medical supplies and equipment.
Finn Right has not independently verified reports about the status of Israeli court rulings on the registration of international aid groups, or about compliance with ICJ provisional measures, and treats them as reported developments. Unimpeded humanitarian access is a core obligation under international humanitarian law.
Status of International Legal Proceedings
International Criminal Court. The ICC issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Assembly of States Parties removed Prosecutor Karim Khan on 24 July 2026 for serious misconduct and serious breach of duty. He has denied wrongdoing and intends to appeal.
His removal has no immediate impact on the arrest warrants, which only ICC judges can withdraw. The court also faces a US campaign against it, including sanctions on its staff.
International Court of Justice. South Africa’s genocide case against Israel remains pending, and the Court has issued provisional measures. No final judgment has been issued. Finn Right does not pre-empt the Court’s determination, and any claim of genocide remains a matter for judicial decision.
Recommendations
To the Israeli authorities
- Allow unconditional and sustained humanitarian access, including construction materials, medical equipment, fuel and food, and restore access for international humanitarian organisations.
- Comply with ICJ provisional measures and cooperate with credible, independent investigations.
- Gaza Destruction
Recommendations for Finland and EU Institutions
- Reaffirm commitment to the Rome Statute and cooperation with the ICC, including its arrest warrants within Finland’s legal obligations.
- Support the ICC’s independence and an orderly process to appoint a new prosecutor.
- Press for humanitarian access and for respect of the right of displaced people to return home and rebuild, and oppose forced displacement.
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To the United Nations and monitoring bodies
- Continue satellite monitoring by UNOSAT and FAO, and preserve a complete evidentiary record for future judicial proceedings.
FAQs:
How much of Gaza is damaged?
UNOSAT estimated that 82% of structures, about 201,290, were damaged as of 16 June 2026.
Has the ceasefire stopped the destruction?
UNOSAT recorded a 9% rise in destroyed structures after the October 2025 ceasefire.
Has any court ruled that genocide occurred?
No. The ICJ case remains pending.
Are the ICC arrest warrants still valid?
Yes. The prosecutor’s removal does not withdraw them, and only ICC judges can do that.
Conclusion
Satellite data shows that Gaza destruction is widespread and continuing. It affects homes, farmland, health facilities and the livelihoods of a civilian population. Human dignity, the protection of civilians, accountability and respect for international law must guide the response.
Finn Right calls upon all relevant authorities to ensure humanitarian access, respect the rulings of international courts, and support impartial investigation, so that justice and protection reach everyone affected.
UN satellite data highlights the scale of destruction in Gaza Destruction and raises serious concerns over the protection of civilians and fundamental human rights.
Finn Right International – Human Rights Commission Finland