Palestinian MP and head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege Jamal al-Khudari on Friday warned that the unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip has jumped to about 60% due to the 14-year-long blockade.
Al-Khudari said in a press statement that over 300000 workers have become jobless in Gaza.
He added that the production in Gaza’s factories has dropped to an unprecedented rate (about 30%) due to the export restrictions the deteriorating economic situation and the coronavirus pandemic.
He pointed out that the blockade has led to the closure of hundreds of industrial and commercial facilities in the enclave.
The Palestinian MP called for ending the blockade on the Gaza Strip opening the crossings allowing import and export without restrictions and lifting the ban on many of the raw materials needed in the industrial sector.
International reports have warned that poverty and unemployment are expected to reach unprecedented rates if the current situation is not addressed he added.
He called for founding an international support fund to meet the humanitarian needs that require urgent intervention.
