The war in Gaza has caused $30 billion in damage and destroyed about 80 percent of buildings in Gaza City, the press service controlled by the Islamist group Hamas estimated on Saturday.

Residential buildings, structures and economic infrastructure such as roads, electrical systems, water and sewage pipes were destroyed or damaged, the source was quoted as saying. The information could not be verified from independent sources, the DPA and Agerpres agencies note.

Israel has been attacking the Gaza Strip since the October 7 incursion by Palestinian militants Hamas and other groups into Israeli territory, in which about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and about 250 kidnapped.

In response, Israel is shelling cities and residential areas in Gaza. Israel has been criticized even by allies such as the United States for the intensity of its military operations, which have caused many casualties among the Palestinian population.

The Israelis say they want to destroy Hamas and free the hostages still in Gaza. Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians as shields and maintaining military facilities, weapons depots and command centers in residential areas. During the five months of the war, several photos and videos of such installations were published.

Israel considers it necessary to destroy a network of tunnels several hundred kilometers long, built by Hamas, and bunkers, which are often located under civilian facilities such as hospitals.

• Also read: Israel strikes apartment building in southern Rafah city as truce talks deadlock