The report was prepared by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in April 2011 and deals with economic growth during 2010.
The report said unemployment increased from 42 per cent in the first half of 2010 to 45 per cent in the second half, putting Gaza's unemployment rate in the bottom 10 of 200 countries rated by the CIA World Factbook.
Unemployment was greatest among refugees, who make up two thirds of Gaza's 1.5-million people.
More jobs were created in the public sector during 2010, while all private sectors except construction and transportation lost jobs, said the report.
"Average real monthly wages in Gaza have declined every half-year period – dropping over 34 per cent since ... 2006," said the report.
2006 was the year Israel imposed its blockade on Gaza after Hamas won the elections there.
The report also details increases in inflation and differences between non-refugee and refugee and public and private employment. More young people entering the workforce has also led to increased unemployment.
Chris Gunness, spokesperson for UNRWA, put much of the blame on the blockade saying, "it is hard to understand the logic of a man-made policy which deliberately impoverishes so many and condemns hundreds of thousands of potentially productive people to a life of destitution."
Israel relaxed some of its restrictions on the coastal enclave last year after international pressure, but Gaza remains cut-off from many essential goods and materials.
Last week Dr. Bassam Naoim, spokesperson for the ministry of health in Gaza, said they are facing a critical shortage of drugs and medical supplies. Reports surfaced today that surgeries have been cancelled due to a lack of anesthetic.
End item/ 129
