The images from the territory, largely sealed off to journalists and others, have helped relief agencies and experts make estimates regarding the extent of the damage.

Hamas is a Palestinian armed group and political movement in the Gaza Strip. On 7 October 2023 it attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. This triggered a massive Israeli military offensive in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

The deplorable humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza have caused bitter infighting within the Biden administration.