GAZA — The
United Nations
issued a warning on Friday, stating that if the Gaza war persists for another
month, the poverty rate in Palestine is expected to soar to around 34 percent,
with approximately half a million more people succumbing to its impact.
اضافة اعلان
These projections are based on preliminary estimates from the
United Nations Development Program and the United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). According to their findings, the total
gross domestic product (GDP) in Palestine is anticipated to contract by 8.4
percent, resulting in a staggering loss of $1.7 billion, Khaberni reported.
20% increase in poverty after the first month of Gaza
In a rapid assessment study titled "
Gaza War: Expected Social
and Economic Impact on the State of Palestine," researchers estimated a 20
percent increase in poverty after the first month of the conflict.
The study revealed that "the total GDP experienced a 4.2
percent decrease in the initial month of the war. Additionally, estimates from
the
International Labor Organization indicate a loss of 390,000 jobs thus
far."
If war in Gaza persists to three months: poverty soars to 45%, GDP
drops 12.2%According to the study's projections, should the war persist for a
third month, the poverty rate is poised to reach approximately 45 percent. This
would amplify the number of
individuals living in poverty by more than 660,000.
Simultaneously, the total GDP is forecasted to decline by 12.2 percent,
resulting in cumulative losses totaling $2.5 billion.
UN study warns of 11-16 years setback in in Palestine’s HDI
The study sounded a cautionary note about a significant decline in
the Human Development Index, a metric used by the UNDP to gauge well-being. It
estimated that the development setback in the State of Palestine could range
between 11 and 16 years, and in Gaza, between 16 and 19 years, depending on the
severity of the conflict.
Emphasizing the massive destruction of homes, either damaged or
entirely destroyed, the study anticipates that economic contraction will
exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation, making recovery more
challenging and protracted.
Achim Steiner, the director of the UNDP, expressed deep concern,
stating, "The ongoing unprecedented loss of life, humanitarian suffering,
and destruction in the Gaza Strip are all unacceptable."
He reiterated the urgent calls from the UN Secretary-General for an
"immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and
facilitating access to humanitarian aid on the required scale to save civilian
lives."
Steiner concluded, "This study warns us that the effects of
this war will be long-term and will not be limited to Gaza alone."
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