Gaza economy is in "free fall," World Bank warned on Tuesday, calling for urgent action by Israel, which imposes strict siege on the coastal enclave, and international community to avoid “immediate collapse.”
The report was released ahead of a high-level meeting of the bank's Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, responsible for coordinating development assistance to the Palestinians, on September 27.
According to the report, the unemployment is now over 50 percent—and over 70 percent among Gaza's youth.
Mark Aharon, director of the World Bank's economic programme in Gaza and the West Bank, told Israeli Ynet News that Gaza’s economy faces a rapid economic decline.
"In the first quarter of 2018, Gaza's economy contracted by 6 percent, which is very significant, and it has continued to plummet ever since,” Aharon stressed.
Aharon predicts negative growth in the second quarter as well. He explained that although the Gaza blockade is a key factor in this economic trend, there are additional aspects that affect the situation.
"The Palestinian Authority's decision to reduce the monthly transfer of $30 million to the strip, the elimination of $ 50-60 million that was provided through US aid programmes and cuts to UNRWA's budget," all play a major role in the current crisis that has developed, according to Aharon.
Aharon also pointed out that the rate of school dropouts has increased, indicating that situation will continue to worsen in the future if no significant changes are made to stimulate Gaza’s economy.
The World Bank believes the solution to help improve Gaza’s economy is for Israel to lift its 12-year-old siege imposed on Gaza, including the restrictions on trade and movement of goods and people.
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