Unprecedented Destruction in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis
The world is witnessing a level of devastation in Gaza not seen since World War II, according to a recent report by the United Nations. If the conflict were to end today, it would take until 2040 to restore the homes destroyed by Israel’s bombing and ground offensive. The report highlights the exponential increase in social and economic impacts since Hamas’ surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7.
The toll on the civilian population has been staggering, with casualties amounting to 5% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people. By mid-April, over 33,000 Palestinians had been killed, more than 80,000 injured, and about 7,000 were still missing, most presumed to be buried under the rubble.
United Nations Development Program Administrator Achim Steiner stressed the urgent need for the conflict to end, emphasizing the compounding costs being exacted on Gazans and all Palestinians with each passing day.
The report, jointly conducted by UNDP and the U.N. Economic Commission for Western Asia, paints a bleak picture of life in Gaza. Since the war’s onset, 201,000 jobs have been lost, and the economy shrunk by a staggering 81% in the last quarter of 2023. Investments amounting to nearly $50 billion have been wiped out, plunging 1.8 million Palestinians into poverty.
Gaza’s plight is exacerbated by the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since Hamas’ takeover in 2007, severely limiting the flow of goods and resources. Even before the conflict, Gaza faced “hyper-unemployment” rates, reaching 45% overall and nearly 63% among younger workers.
The report highlights that Gaza’s Human Development Index, which measures crucial aspects like life expectancy, education, and standard of living, has regressed more than 20 years. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands urgent attention and resolution to alleviate the suffering of its people.
