Gaza City, August 7 (RHC)-- The month-long Israeli aerial and ground offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip is estimated to have thus far cost the Palestinian territory at least $4.6 billion in damage.

The Palestinian economy ministry sources say the figure includes only direct damage to the Gaza economy. The ministry said the cost would climb once additional impacts of the Israeli strikes are taken into account.

Tel Aviv’s regime forces' attacks from both air and ground have destroyed hundreds of homes across the coastal enclave. Last week, the Israeli military shelled Gaza Strip's sole power plant, causing total blackouts across the besieged Palestinian territory. The Gaza Strip, under a strict blockade by Israel and Egypt, suffers from chronic water and power shortages.