The prolonged military operation and long-standing restrictions imposed by Israel have driven the economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territory into its most severe contraction on record, according to a new report published by United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on Tuesday.
The report, titled "Developments in the economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territor" finds that two years of military operations and restrictions have triggered an unprecedented collapse across the Palestinian economy. This has unfolded against a backdrop of long-standing economic and institutional fragility, with severe social and environmental consequences.
Extensive damage to infrastructure, productive assets and public services has resulted in an economic crisis listing among the ten worst globally since 1960, while the situation in Gaza stands to be the most severe economic crisis on record.
Meanwhile, plummeting fiscal revenues and the withholding of fiscal transfers by the Israeli government have severely constrained the Palestinian government's ability to maintain essential public services and invest in recovery, the report said.
A total with 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza faced severe restrictions on trade, movement, and access to resources for nearly 20 years. Since the latest round of the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on Oct 7, 2023, the Palestinian government's fiscal condition has deteriorated sharply, making 2024 one of the hardest years.
The estimated cost for reconstruction and recovery of Gaza, according to the report, exceeds 70 billion dollars.
The report calls for a comprehensive recovery plan for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with coordinated international assistance, restoration of fiscal transfers, and measures to ease constraints on trade, movement and investment.
UNCTAD report warns of severe Palestinian economy collapse
