UN Report Finds 80% of Gazan Women Relying on Food Aid

A recent report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) has brought to light the dire economic and humanitarian situation in Gaza, revealing that a staggering 80% of Gazan women rely on international food aid to survive. 

This report, detailing conditions in Gaza prior to the recent escalation of violence, paints a bleak picture of widespread poverty, unemployment, and dependence on aid in one of the world's most densely populated areas.

The Unctad report highlights the devastating impact of Israel's long-standing blockade on Gaza's economy. 

This blockade, compounded by frequent military operations and stringent restrictions on the movement of people and goods, has stifled economic growth and investment in the region. 

The result has been the collapse of Gaza's economy, with a significant portion of its 2 million inhabitants left in poverty and dependent on humanitarian aid.

Women in Gaza have been particularly hard hit by these conditions. 

With an unemployment rate of 45%, one of the highest in the world, many Gazan families have seen their primary breadwinners, often men, unable to find work. 

As a result, women have borne the brunt of the economic hardship, struggling to provide for their families in an environment where opportunities are scarce, and support systems are stretched thin.

The blockade has not only crippled the economy but also severely restricted access to essential services, including healthcare, clean water, and electricity. 

According to the Unctad report, Gazans live with electricity for only half the day and lack adequate access to clean water and proper sewage systems. 

This infrastructure crisis exacerbates the daily struggles of Gazan women, who must manage households under these challenging conditions.

In addition to the economic and infrastructure challenges, the decline in international aid has further compounded the crisis. 

In 2022, the Palestinian government received only $250 million in donor budget support and $300 million for development projects, a significant drop from the $2 billion received in 2008. 

This decline in aid has left many without the necessary support to meet their basic needs, pushing more Gazan women into dependency on food aid to feed their families.

The report underscores the broader social impacts of this prolonged economic suppression. 

With a 65% probability of being poor and a 41% probability of dropping out of the labor force in despair, the living standards in Gaza have plummeted. 

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head is now 27% lower than it was in 2006, highlighting the severe economic regression over the years.

Women and young people are the hardest hit by these conditions. 

The high unemployment rate among women not only affects their economic independence but also limits their ability to contribute to the local economy and improve their living standards. 

This cycle of poverty and dependency on aid creates a challenging environment for future generations, who see limited opportunities for advancement.

The Unctad report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. 

It calls for the lifting of the blockade, increased international aid, and sustainable economic development to improve living conditions and reduce dependency on aid. 

For the women of Gaza, breaking this cycle is crucial for fostering resilience and creating a more hopeful future for their families and communities.

In conclusion, the Unctad report highlights the critical situation faced by Gazan women, with 80% relying on food aid amid a backdrop of economic collapse and restricted access to essential services. 

Addressing these challenges requires concerted international efforts and a commitment to improving the humanitarian and economic conditions in Gaza.