The Contribution of Women to Peace and Reconciliation

Only 258 industrial establishments in Gaza were operational in 2009,
compared with over 2400 in 2006. As a result, unemployment rates have
soared to 45% (up from 32% before the blockade).”
Health
Gaza’s health sector, dramatically overworked, was also significantly
dam aged by Operation Cast Lead. According to UNOCHA, the infrastructure
for fifteen of Gaza’s twenty-seven hospitals, forty-three of its
110 primary care facilities, and twenty-nine of its 148 ambulances were
damaged or destroyed during the war. Without rebuilding materials like
cement and glass, which are unavailable due to Israeli restrictions, the
vast majority of the destroyed health infrastructure has not been rebuilt.
Many medical procedures for advanced illnesses are not available in
Gaza. In 2009, 1103 individuals applied for permits to exit the Israeli-controlled
Erez crossing for medical treatment; 21% of these permits were
denied or delayed, resulting in missed hospital appointments, and sev -
eral have died waiting to leave Gaza for treatment.
Food
A 2010 World Health Organization report stated that “chronic malnutrition
in the Gaza Strip has risen over the past few years, and has now
reached 10.2%. Micronutrient deficiencies among children and women
have reached high levels about 50%.” According to UNOCHA: “Over
60% of households are now food insecure, threatening the health and
well-being of children, women and men”. In this context, agriculture offers
some practical solutions to a humanitarian problem. However, Israel’s
import and access restrictions continue to suffocate the
agricultural sector and directly contribute to rising food insecurity. One
particular concern is that farmers’ and fishers’ lives are regularly put at
risk, due to Israel’s enforcement of its access restrictions.
A safe and healthy environment
People’s health is hugely affected by their living environment, so UNRWA
works to provide refugees with a healthy and safe environment, and the
highest possible level of social security. The Agency’s health programme
has worked in collaboration with the education and the relief and social
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