The military operation conducted by Israel in Gaza is considered one of the most devastating in historical records

The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, experts note, is among the most lethal and devastating in history. In a span of just over two months, the offensive has caused more destruction than the razing of Syria’s Aleppo between 2012 and 2016, Ukraine’s Mariupol, or even the Allied bombing of Germany in World War II, proportionally speaking. It has also resulted in more civilian casualties than the U.S.-led coalition’s three-year campaign against the Islamic State group.

Little information has been released by the Israeli military about the specific types of bombs and artillery used in Gaza. However, experts analyzing blast fragments and strike footage are confident that most bombs dropped are U.S.-made, including 2,000-pound “bunker-busters.” These have caused significant casualties in densely populated areas.

The death toll in Gaza is nearing 20,000, prompting international demands for a ceasefire. Israel, however, insists on continuing its campaign to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities. This determination follows a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, in which 1,200 people were killed, and 240 others were taken hostage.

The Biden administration has continued to supply arms to Israel, although President Joe Biden has recently acknowledged that Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” is affecting its international legitimacy.

Regarding the destruction in Gaza, analyses of satellite data show extensive damage to buildings in northern Gaza and the Khan Younis area. This includes thousands of homes, schools, hospitals, mosques, and stores, with about 70% of school buildings across Gaza being damaged.

Historically, the destruction in Gaza is unparalleled, exceeding even the Allied bombings of Germany during World War II in terms of percentage. The U.S.-led coalition’s 2017 assault on Mosul, Iraq, considered one of the most intense attacks on a city in recent times, resulted in around 10,000 civilian deaths.

The types of bombs being used by Israel include American-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and SPICE 2000-pound bombs, some of which are produced with technology from the United States. Israel’s military also employs unguided “dumb” bombs.

Israel’s stated goals are to destroy Hamas and rescue hostages held by militants. Eleven weeks into the war, Israel reports significant damage to Hamas sites and the deaths of thousands of Hamas fighters. However, the intense bombings have raised concerns about the safety of hostages and the high level of destruction due to Hamas’ integration within civilian areas.