Written by Jemaimah
Israel's 22-day military action against the Gaza Strip, which began on 27 December 2008, left about 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed. Since then, the blockade of the Gaza Strip has prevented the United Nations from conducting any significant repairs or reconstruction. It also places severe restrictions on goods and services, which UNRWA supplies. An estimated 325,000 refugees are believed to be living in abject poverty, unable to meet their basic food needs. A further 350,000 are now below the official poverty line.
Operating through more than 10,000 staff in over 200 installations, UNRWA delivers education, health care, relief and social services, microcredit and emergency assistance to registered Palestine refugees in Gaza.
