Researchers in Japan have examined satellite photos to assess damage to facilities in the Gaza Strip that the Japanese government and non-governmental organizations had helped build or operate.

A group led by Professor Watanave Hidenori of the University of Tokyo and an NGO offering assistance in Gaza have assessed 11 facilities for damage from Israeli military attacks. They have posted their analyses on their website.

A satellite image of a hospital in Khan Yunis of southern Gaza from about three weeks ago showed tents crowded in the parking lot and yard. They are believed to have been used by people who had evacuated.

But an image of the same location taken on Tuesday shows that barren land near the hospital had widened and residential areas were destroyed. This suggests that Israeli attacks were closing in.

An image of a school in northern Gaza shows craters that may have been caused by air strikes in the schoolyard and near the school building. The diameters of the craters suggest highly lethal weapons were used multiple times.

Namiki Mai of NGO Japan International Volunteer Center said the satellite images show damage to Gaza is so serious that it seems to be almost impossible for people there to return to their normal lives. She said the Japanese government should seek an explanation for why facilities that support people's livelihoods had to be attacked.