The Palestinian unemployment rate has risen to 75% in the Gaza Strip and 32% in the West Bank since the start of Israel’s operation in the Palestinian enclave last October, Palestinian Economy Minister Mohammed al-Amour said.
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“Economic activity has been disrupted by a decline in cash flows due to Israeli misappropriation of Palestinian tax revenues and by the loss of nearly half a million jobs since October last year. Unemployment has now risen to 32% in the West Bank and to 75% – in the Gaza Strip,” the minister said.
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On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. After this, fighters from the Palestinian Hamas movement entered the border areas, opened fire on military and civilians, and took more than 200 hostages. According to authorities, about 1.2 thousand people died.
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The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip, which included attacks on civilian targets. Israel announced a complete blockade of the enclave: supplies of water, electricity, fuel, food and medicine were stopped.
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The Gaza Strip has effectively been divided into southern and northern parts, and Israel is preparing for a ground operation in Rafah, which is considered the last stronghold of Hamas.
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According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has exceeded 37 thousand, and almost 85 thousand people have been injured.
