Where the Israeli strikes hit Gaza and the devastation they left behind

The Washington Post has mapped some of the most devastating strikes. Many of them were concentrated in densely populated areas in the north.

Israel pledged to focus its fire on Hamas fighters and abide by international law. Hamas said on Wednesday that Israeli raids targeted the commander of its military wing, leading to the killing of his brother. Two members of the group’s political bureau were killed on Tuesday.

But mosques, hospitals and residential buildings and international aid groups They were also beaten. Global Health Organization He said Tuesday, 13 health care facilities were affected by the strikes. Nine United Nations staff were killed In strikes.

The people of Gaza have lived Under Israeli siege for 16 years. The 140-square-mile area is among the most densely populated places on Earth. Of the Strip’s population of two million, nearly half are children – many of whom have never left the Strip.

Israel announced a complete blockade on Gaza after the attacks. The country cut off electricity to the area, leaving many residents in the dark. Palestinian officials confirmed on Wednesday that Gaza’s only power station had run out of fuel. Aid groups have warned that access to water, sanitation and healthcare facilities will be affected by power outages.

All crossings outside the Strip were closed, leaving residents with nowhere to go.

More than 263,000 people were displaced across the Strip According to the United nations. Many have taken refuge in overcrowded United Nations schools. It is estimated that more than 1,000 housing units were destroyed.

The strikes are the beginning of what Israel said would be its largest ever attack in Gaza, where people have already endured multiple wars since Hamas seized power. About 360,000 Israeli reserve soldiers were called up, the largest number in 50 years. Troops are mobilizing on the Gaza border while Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel.

“We are now moving toward the offensive, with all kinds of capabilities and angles,” Israeli Gen. Dan Goldfus, commander of the country’s 98th Parachute Division, told reporters on Tuesday.

“The most important thing is to let the other party know that there is no way they can do this without us changing reality.”