Gaza is a densely populated enclave, 41km (25 miles) long and 10km wide, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea on one side, Israel and Egypt on the other sides. The situation in Gaza is unbearable for many, and it has been described as an “open-air prison” . Here are some key points about life in Gaza:

• Population: Gaza is home to about two million people, and it is one of the most densely populated places on Earth. On average, there are more than 5,700 people per square kilometer, but that figure rises to more than 9,000 in Gaza City.

• Humanitarian aid: About 80% of the population of Gaza depends on international aid, according to the UN, and about one million people rely on daily food aid. The blockade imposed by Israel has severely impacted movements in and out of the Strip and the ability to trade.

• Water and power: Most people in Gaza suffer from a shortage of water. Tap water is salty and polluted and is not fit for drinking. While most Gazan households are on a piped water network, families received water for only six-eight hours every four days in 2017 due to insufficient power. There is also an ongoing power shortage which impacts essential services like health, water, and sanitation.

• Healthcare: The Covid-19 pandemic has made life in Gaza even more difficult. In April, a spike in cases saw almost 3,000 a day in Gaza. There have been more than 104,000 cases since the start of the pandemic, and more than 946 people have died with the virus. The border restrictions are not only limiting access to life-saving treatment for victims of the hostilities, but they are also hampering the coronavirus response.

• Food insecurity: Almost half of Gaza’s people do not have enough food, around 60% of children are anemic, and many children suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition. The blockade has sealed off Gaza from the rest of the world, crippling the economy and trapping residents.

• Unemployment: 70% of youth in Gaza are unemployed, and lack of hope for the future has become the norm among young people in Gaza.

• Violence: Gaza has been the site of numerous conflicts and tensions between Gaza and Israel have recently escalated. The situation is horrific, and most people in Gaza are fleeing their homes to escape the violence.

In summary, life in Gaza is characterized by a lack of basic necessities such as clean water, food, and healthcare, high unemployment rates, and ongoing violence. The blockade imposed by Israel has severely impacted movements in and out of the Strip and the ability to trade, making life even more difficult for the people of Gaza.