The crippling effects of the last attacks in Gaza in 2014 can still be felt by the people, when 1,523 people were killed and over 11,000 were injured – 10 percent of whom now suffer permanent disability. The disproportionate amount of disabilities in addition to already hostile working conditions has contributed to a drastic rise in unemployment, adding a huge burden to families.
- Gaza is the city with the highest unemployment rates in the world (46 percent and rising)
- 80% of the 2 million people are dependent on international aid
- Since the 2000 blockade, there has been a 60% increase in malnutrition
- By 2014, 10 percent of children in Gaza were inflicted with stunting and chronic malnutrition which will have a lifelong impact on their growth and health.
Yet there is an even bigger problem facing the residents of Gaza – currently 97% of the available water is not suitable for even agriculture let alone human consumption. It is expected that by 2020, there will be no safe drinking water available.