LOC20:14
17:14 GMT
GAZA, Feb 9 (KUNA) -- The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
in the Near East (UNRWA) warned on Wednesday that unemployment levels in Gaza
have reached over 45.4 percent of the workforce, showing a dangerous sign of
the deteriorating situation in the besieged territory.
These numbers reflect signs of a sharply deteriorating economy, which will
increase the state of instability and despair felt by inhabitants of the thus
far three-and-a-half-year besieged territory, UNRWA spokesperson Chris Guiness
told a press conference in Gaza.
He urged the lifting of the siege, and to not let other Middle East issues
shift focus away from this issue.
The numbers recorded in the third quarter of 2010, were a rise from the
previous quarter which recorded 44.3 pct, adding that a society that reaches
an unemployment rate of 50 pct stands on the brink of collapse.
Israel has allowed UNRWA to carry out 43 projects in the territory worth
USD 43 million, representing a mere 11.4 pct of the size of projects the
agency intends to pursue over the next three years.
The territory's need for development is immense and unprecedented, he said,
citing the need for 100 schools, the repair of tens of thousands of homes and
six hospitals, not including government projects. (end)
mzt.sd
KUNA 092014 Feb 11NNNN