Over 25,000 tonnes of explosives dropped on Gaza since October 7
Since October 7, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted air and artillery strikes on the Gaza Strip, deploying over 25,000 tonnes of explosives according to estimates by the United Nations and regional monitoring organizations. Analysts compared the total explosive weight to the energy equivalent of approximately two nuclear bombs, based on TNT equivalence calculations. The strikes have targeted military infrastructure, tunnels, and weapons storage facilities used by Hamas and other militant groups.
The Israeli military confirmed ongoing operations, citing the need to prevent attacks on Israeli civilians and to neutralize armed capabilities in Gaza. The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have documented significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, hospitals, schools, and electricity networks. Casualty reports indicate both combatant and civilian fatalities and injuries, with official figures varying depending on source.
International organizations, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, have called for monitoring and documentation of the humanitarian impact of the strikes. The energy equivalence comparison has been used by analysts to provide context for the scale of explosives deployed in the conflict. Discussions about proportionality, war law compliance, and civilian protection continue at both regional and global diplomatic levels.
