News: Gaza, the sad facts of a forgotten crisis.

A UN report today states:

Following the resumption of violence on 4 November 2008, Israel has intensified to an unprecedented level the blockade on the Gaza Strip, imposed in June 2007. The 18-month long blockade has created a profound human dignity crisis, leading to a widespread erosion of livelihoods and a significant deterioration in infrastructure and essential services. The consequences for the Palestinian population are profound, pervasive and difficult to reverse.

The daily lives of most of 1.5 million Gazans are increasingly consumed by completing the most basic tasks, such as collecting and storing clean water, and searching for food, fuel and other essential supplies.

Residents of Gaza City are without power for up to 16 hours each day.

Half of Gaza City’s population is receiving water only once a week for a few hours. 80% of the water supplied in Gaza already does not meet the WHO standards for drinking.

Unemployment has risen to almost 50%. Only 23 out of 3,900 industrial enterprises are currently operational. 70% of agricultural land in Gaza are no longer being irrigated, leading to desertification.

20% of essential drugs are currently at zero level

The average Gazan household now spends two thirds of its income on food. 56% of Gaza’s population is food insecure. (Full)

And to make matters worse, the blockade and renewed fighting forced the UN to suspend its food aid deliveries (again). (Full)

Picture courtesy KabobFest