DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Israel-Hamas war, now nearing a potential ceasefire, has devastated the Gaza Strip. Satellite photos offer some sense of the destruction in the territory, which has been largely sealed off to journalists and others.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

New satellite photos have revealed the widespread destruction caused by Israeli strikes in Gaza, amid renewed hope that a ceasefire deal will end the deadly 15 month war. The images show Gaza City in June 2023 and January 2023.

CAIRO: Palestinian militant group Hamas has been significantly battered by 15 months of war in Gaza but has not suffered the eradication that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intended, experts say.