GAZA, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Hamas-run media office said on Sunday that approximately 90 percent of residential homes in Rafah governorate in the southern Gaza Strip have been destroyed by Israeli military operations, pushing the region into what it described as a "comprehensive humanitarian disaster."

The media office said in a statement that the governorate had been turned into a "closed military operations zone" as it has been cut off from other parts of the Gaza Strip, adding that widespread damage had impacted infrastructure, essential services, and civilian residences.

According to the statement, more than 20,000 buildings comprising over 50,000 housing units were destroyed. In addition, 22 out of 24 water wells have been rendered nonfunctional, leaving tens of thousands of residents without access to safe drinking water.

The media office further said over 85 percent of the sewage network in Rafah had been damaged, raising concerns about potential outbreaks of disease.

The media office appealed to the international community, United Nations agencies, and humanitarian organizations to press for an Israeli withdrawal from Rafah governorate, facilitate the return of displaced residents, and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian relief.

It also called for investigations into the alleged Israeli violations, as well as immediate reconstruction efforts. Enditem

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