The United Nations (UN) reported that Israeli attacks have caused Gaza to lose approximately 70 years of development. Chitose Noguchi, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the Palestinian People, unveiled the report titled “Expected Socio-Economic Impacts on the State of Palestine” at the UNDP’s weekly press briefing in Geneva. Noguchi pointed out that poverty in Palestine, where Israel has been launching attacks for over a year, has significantly increased, with 3 out of 4 people living in poverty. Describing the situation in Gaza since Israel initiated the attacks on October 7, 2023, as one of the largest humanitarian catastrophes in recent history, Noguchi highlighted the unprecedented loss of life, destruction, food insecurity, and mass displacements it has caused. Noguchi emphasized that the intense restrictions on aid distribution by Israel have further exacerbated the crisis. Stressing that the events pose a danger not only for the people of Gaza but for the future of all Palestinians, Noguchi underscored the staggering level of current economic losses. The report indicated that by the end of the year, Palestine’s gross domestic product had dropped from an estimated $20.2 billion before October 7 to $13.1 billion, reflecting a decrease of over 35%. Noguchi stated that unemployment is rapidly increasing, with 1 in 2 people being jobless. In Gaza, unemployment is nearing 80% and poverty is on the rise, with 3 out of 4 people living in poverty. The report predicts that poverty in Palestine will rise from 38.8% recorded at the end of 2023 to 74.3% in 2024. With an estimated 2.61 million new individuals falling into poverty, a total of 4.1 million people are projected to be affected. Noguchi also highlighted an unprecedented regression in development in Palestine measured by the Human Development Index, indicating a loss of approximately 24 years of development gains. Noguchi stated, “Gaza has regressed to the level of the 1950s in terms of development.” Furthermore, the report revealed that the war in Gaza has resulted in a 42 million-ton heap of rubble posing significant risks to human health and the ecosystem.