Just the Facts: Conditions in Gaza

  • Since the start of the blockade in 2005, the number of businesses in Gaza has decreased from 3,500 to 250.
  • Permitted monthly crossings at Erez Crossing fell from 40,000 to 14,000 in 2019.
  • Israel allows Gaza fishermen to only travel 6 to 15 nautical miles from shore; the Oslo Agreement specified 20 nautical miles.
  • Unemployment has increased from about 23% in 2005 to nearly 52% in 2020.
  • Youth unemployment has soared to 67.5%.
  • Applications to visit sick relatives elsewhere in Palestine require more than 50 working days to process.
  • Average per capita annual income has dropped to $800.
  • More than half (55%) of children are suffering from anemia.
  • 62% of Gaza children are depressed or feel chronic anxiety and fear.
  • The number of people with serious disabilities has increased to 2.4% of the population.
  • The average number of students per class now exceeds 41.
  • Only 30% of children ages 3-6 are able to attend licensed kindergartens.
  • In 2020, residents were receiving approximately 6 hours of electricity, followed by 8 hours off.
  • Annual foreign assistance funds have dropped from $66 million to $5 million.

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