The unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip surpassed 80 percent in 2025, compared with 29 percent in the West Bank, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said Thursday in a statement marking the World Population Day on Saturday.
The global Palestinian population was about 15.5 million by end-2025, with some 5.6 million living in Palestinian territories, 6.8 million in Arab countries, and 1.9 million in Israel, the PCBS said.
Palestinian society remains relatively young, with those under 30 accounting for some 65 percent of the population, it said.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, more than 198,000 buildings in Gaza have been damaged, including over 102,000 completely destroyed, it said.
Some 98.5 percent of agricultural land in the enclave has lost productivity or become inaccessible, and about 101,000 children under five and 55,500 pregnant or breastfeeding women are projected to face acute malnutrition in 2025-2026, it said.
World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, seeks to raise awareness of global population issues.
Unemployment in Gaza tops 80 pct in 2025: statistics
Shanghai on Friday launched its celebrations for China's National Maritime Day 2026 with a variety of public events to promote maritime culture and highlight Shanghai's rising status as a leading international shipping hub.
China celebrated its 22nd National Maritime Day on Saturday, which also marks the country's observance of World Maritime Day.
The public events in Shanghai include ship open houses, cultural and creative fairs, and special postal exhibitions, bringing maritime culture closer to communities across the city.
Relevant shipping indices showed Shanghai has risen to second place among 43 cities in global shipping competitiveness, underscoring its growing role as a leading international maritime center.
As part of the celebrations, three vessels, including the maritime patrol ship Haixun 01 and the pilot vessel Hugangyin 6, docked at the Shanghai Port international cruise terminal and opened to the public.
The open-house event attracted large numbers of visitors, who boarded the vessels to observe maritime patrol operations, port pilotage services, and sightseeing cruises up close.
Visitors also learned about navigation technologies and gained firsthand insight into the daily lives of seafarers.
"I am here because I wanted to see China's own ships. It was my first time learning that a vessel can be equipped with small devices on both sides to help maintain its balance. I found it quite impressive," said Wu Xiaoting, a visitor.
Activities launched in Shanghai to mark National Maritime Day
