Devastating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Loss of Life, Destruction, and Economic Devastation

Strategic Insights -

The ongoing Gaza war has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, causing immense death and suffering, as well as massive destruction and economic devastation. The conflict has had a catastrophic impact on the Palestinian people, their economy, and human development in the occupied Palestinian territory. According to the joint Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, the war has caused a sharp increase in unemployment in the occupied Palestinian territory, with a rate of 46.1% after six months of war, compared to 25.7% before the war. The poverty rate is projected to surge from 38% to 60% if the war extends, putting 1.86 million people below the poverty line.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gaza war has caused a devastating impact on the Palestinian people, their economy, and human development in the occupied Palestinian territory, with a sharp increase in unemployment (46.1% after six months of war) and projected poverty rate of 60% if the war extends.
  • The war has damaged or destroyed most of Gaza's life-sustaining infrastructure, including hospitals and agricultural land, with up to 65 schools destroyed or severely damaged.
  • The conflict has caused food insecurity, with an estimated 6,000 women and 11,000 children killed in Gaza by the Israeli military over the last 12 months.
  • The war has resulted in staggering figures, including 25,000 children orphaned, 160,000 workers from the West Bank losing their jobs in Israel and the settlements, and 10,000 Palestinians killed or injured.
  • The damage caused to health facilities heightens threats to the quality of life in Gaza, particularly for people with disabilities, who are exposed to risk of starvation, dehydration, worsening health conditions, and imminent death.
  • The humanitarian needs in Gaza remain vast, with hundreds of thousands of people without proper access to basic necessities like shelter, food, and clean water.
  • The best alternative to this conflict is a political solution based on the principles of self-determination, sovereignty, and equal rights for both peoples, with a two-state solution remaining the internationally agreed way forward.

Statistics:

  • 6,000 women and 11,000 children killed in Gaza by the Israeli military over the last 12 months (source Oxfam)
  • 25,000 children orphaned
  • 160,000 workers from the West Bank lost their jobs in Israel and the settlements
  • 10,000 Palestinians killed or injured
  • Unemployment rate in the occupied Palestinian territory: 46.1% after six months of war (compared to 25.7% before the war)
  • Poverty rate projected to surge from 38% to 60% if the war extends
  • 1.86 million people below the poverty line if the war extends
  • Estimated 65 schools destroyed or severely damaged
  • Up to 200,000 people displaced
  • Hundreds of thousands of people without proper access to basic necessities like shelter, food, and clean water

Sources:

  • Oxfam
  • ESCWA
  • UNDP
  • International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • Daily News Sri Lanka