Escalation in Gaza: Israel Destroys Buildings in City Offensive

Mon Oct 20 2025 13:14:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Intensifying military operations in Gaza City have led to the destruction of numerous buildings, with Israel asserting control over significant areas amid escalating conflict and humanitarian concerns.

Israeli military actions in Gaza City have resulted in the destruction of dozens of buildings over the past month, affecting thousands of displaced Palestinians as humanitarian officials warn of a catastrophic impact from the ongoing offensive. Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced intentions to seize control of the area following failed ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.

Israeli strikes and demolitions have destroyed dozens of buildings in areas of Gaza City, with satellite images indicating that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim control over 40% of the city.

Recent imagery analyzed by BBC Verify highlights that intense bombardments and controlled detonations have leveled numerous neighborhoods throughout the past month. Rows of tents meant to shelter Palestinians displaced by the conflict have also vanished over this period.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined Israel's objective to dominate the entire strip and instigate a ground incursion into Gaza City after indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas collapsed in July.

United Nations humanitarian officials caution that a full-scale offensive would yield consequences beyond catastrophic levels. Strikes have significantly escalated in Gaza City recently, resulting in numerous casualties, with the Hamas-run health ministry and civil defense reporting dozens of deaths this week alone.

Satellite images depict considerable damage in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan, Zeitoun, and Tuffah neighborhoods in recent weeks. In these areas, multiple buildings were demolished between August and September.

The IDF communicated that they are identifying and neutralizing terror infrastructure embedded within civilian structures. Particularly in Sheikh Radwan, identifiable traces of IDF armored vehicles remain visible in locations where buildings and trees once stood.

Further analysis revealed evidence of controlled demolitions in the adjacent Jabalia area, with footage showing the collapse of high-rise buildings. Thousands of structures in southern Gaza have been similarly dismantled by IDF forces.

The Zeitoun neighborhood also showcases clusters of IDF armored vehicles, with destruction occurring in areas between the vehicles during a 24-hour timeframe at the start of September. Notably, tent settlements for displaced residents have completely disappeared, as over 1.9 million Gazans—about 90% of the population—have been displaced due to military actions.

Furthermore, in the Tuffah neighborhood, escalating violence has resulted in additional structural damage, with fatalities reported amid recent strikes.

During this precarious situation, Hamas has proposed a plan for a temporary truce involving hostage exchanges, but Israel has maintained that all hostages must be released simultaneously before any ceasefire is considered.

The ongoing military campaign, which follows a deadly Hamas-led attack in October resulting in significant casualties and hostage situations, has intensified, leading to a staggering death toll approaching 64,231 in Gaza since then, according to local health authorities.