A census of Gaza published today shows that the population in the Palestinian territory has risen by almost 40 per cent in the past 10 years, one of the highest growth rates in the world.
The census, which was carried out in 2007, found that the population in Gaza is now more than 1.4 million.
It shows the majority of Gazans - some 68 per cent of the population - remain UN registered-refugees.
With its population estimated to double in the next 20 years, Gaza's economy is hopelessly unfit to provide employment for its residents.
Many factors are responsible for Gaza's impoverishment but the freezing of international funds since Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian elections and then the following year seized full control of Gaza, has worsened the situation. |