Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the economic situation in Gaza.

The UK remains concerned about the economic impact of COVID-19 on the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), particularly in Gaza. The impact of COVID-19 alongside high unemployment rates, three years of low economic growth and persistent fiscal deficits has resulted in a sharp decline in economic activity across the OPTs. Recent World Bank reports indicate GDP will contract by about 8 percent in 2020. A modest bounce back is expected in 2021 with growth returning to about 2.5 percent.

UK Aid includes helping improve water and energy supply, particularly in Gaza and addressing movement and access restrictions that currently inhibit trade. By focusing on supporting sustainable economic development, we aim to improve daily life for thousands of Palestinians and aid the longer-term recovery from COVID-19.