The Impact of Israel’s War in Gaza: A Devastating Setback for Progress
According to a new report by the United Nations, Israel’s recent war in the Gaza Strip could potentially erase “over 69 years of progress” in the region. The report indicates that key indicators such as life expectancy, education, income, and standard of living are projected to plummet to levels last seen in 1955, if immediate action is not taken.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) emphasizes the urgent need to lift economic restrictions, promote recovery, and invest in development to prevent a long-lasting crisis that could impact the future generations of Palestinians. UNDP administrator Achim Steiner warns that the development crisis unfolding in Gaza endangers the prospects of Palestinians for years to come.
As US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visits the Middle East to address the situation, tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate. Israel’s offensive on Hamas has resulted in devastating casualties and displacement in Gaza, with the UN report highlighting a significant increase in poverty across the Palestinian territories.
The repercussions of the conflict are dire, with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemning Israel for the destruction of Gaza. International bodies have accused Israel of war crimes, further intensifying the ongoing crisis in the region.