UN Report Highlights Unprecedented Destruction in Gaza
The devastation wrought upon Gaza by Israel’s recent bombing and ground offensive has been described by the United Nations as unparalleled since World War II. According to a report released Thursday, the damage is so extensive that it would take until 2040 to fully restore the homes destroyed if the conflict ended immediately.
Unprecedented Human Toll
The report underscores the staggering toll on Gaza’s population, with casualties amounting to 5% of its 2.3 million inhabitants within a short period. By mid-April, over 33,000 Palestinians had lost their lives, with more than 80,000 injured and 7,000 others still missing, presumed buried under the rubble.
Exponential Social and Economic Impact
The social and economic repercussions of the conflict are described as compounding exponentially. Gaza has witnessed a loss of 201,000 jobs since the war began, and its economy shrunk by a staggering 81% in the last quarter of 2023 alone.
Dire Humanitarian Crisis
Gaza’s plight is exacerbated by longstanding blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt since Hamas took control in 2007, severely limiting the flow of goods and people. Even before the recent conflict, the territory faced dire economic conditions, with unemployment rates reaching as high as 45% and nearly 63% among younger workers.
Human Development Setback
The report paints a grim picture of the humanitarian situation, noting that Gaza’s Human Development Index has regressed by over 20 years. This index measures essential factors for a decent quality of life, including health, education, and income.
Urgent Call for Action
United Nations Development Program Administrator Achim Steiner emphasized the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities, highlighting the mounting costs inflicted on Gazans and Palestinians as each day of conflict passes.
Conclusion
The UN report underscores the urgent need for international action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the unprecedented destruction and suffering faced by its population.
