Impact of Israeli Offensive on Gaza Strip
The recent Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip has had a devastating impact on Palestine’s socio-economic development, setting it back by more than two decades, according to a new report by the UNDP and ESCWA.
Rising Poverty Rates
- The poverty rate in Gaza has surged to 58.4%, leading to approximately 1.74 million more people falling into poverty.
Economic Consequences
- The GDP of the region has plummeted by 26.9%, resulting in a loss of $7.1 billion compared to pre-war levels.
UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner, emphasized the ongoing costs of the conflict, stating that every day of war adds significant burdens to Gazans and Palestinians, both in the short and long term.
Potential Long-Term Effects
The assessment warns of a potential doubling of poverty levels to 60.7% if the conflict persists for nine months, with a further decline in GDP by 29%, amounting to total losses of $7.6 billion.
Human Development Index (HDI) Impact
Projections suggest a significant decline in the Human Development Index, potentially setting back progress by more than 20 years for the State of Palestine, and 44 years specifically for Gaza.
ESCWA Executive Secretary, Rola Dashti, highlighted the unprecedented destruction in Gaza, indicating a potential long-term dependence on external assistance due to the extensive loss of resources and infrastructure.
The assessment’s findings align with estimates by the World Bank and the United Nations, indicating significant direct damages to Gaza’s infrastructure, equivalent to a substantial portion of the region’s GDP.