Israels economic blockade on Gaza affects thousands of unemployed Palestinian youth

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Gaza’s Young People Face Uncertain Future Amid Blockade

The unemployment rate in Gaza has reached 80 percent, affecting tens of thousands of young people. Mahmoud Shamiya, a graduate of Al-Aqsa University with a degree in basic education, is among those struggling to find work. His daily routine consists of fetching water and scavenging for firewood as he lives in a tent.

Shamiya’s situation reflects the broader impact of Israel’s blockade on Gaza’s economy. The territory has experienced an 87 percent decline in its local gross domestic product (GDP) over the past two years, with GDP per capita dropping to $161. This has effectively erased 22 years of development, leaving young people without access to education, employment, or basic survival.

The destruction of Gaza’s educational infrastructure has paused the lives of students like Mona Al-Mashharawi, who was scheduled to start university in Algeria but is now stuck inside the Strip. The war and blockade have also destroyed most universities and schools, killing at least 72,000 Palestinians.

Rafah Crossing, Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world, has been reopened partially, allowing limited exit for medical treatment and entry for those who had evacuated their homes during the war. However, this has not alleviated the economic crisis, with estimates suggesting that 90 percent of all sectors, including housing and infrastructure, have been wiped out.

The private sector, which was Gaza’s main economic engine, contributing to 52 percent of local employment, has been severely impacted by the war. Businesses like Muhannad Qasem’s gym in Zeitoun were destroyed during an Israeli ground incursion, leaving him without a means of income.

According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, approximately 70 percent of Gaza’s residents are under 30 and are navigating a reality described as the fastest and most damaging economic collapse on record.

Source: Al Jazeera