UNCTAD report says Gaza's economy has collapsed, with earnings at 58 cents a day

24 September 2026

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said on 24 September 2026, in its annual report on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, that people in Gaza now earn just 58 cents a day. The report found that 92 per cent of Gaza's businesses are damaged or destroyed and that more than nine in 10 working-age adults are out of work. Housing has suffered more damage than any other sector, and rebuilding homes alone will cost an estimated $19 billion, said UNCTAD Coordinator Mutasim Elagraa in Geneva. He said the population is condemned to multidimensional poverty — lacking shelter and access to health, education and sanitation as well as income. According to the Board of Peace, around $71 billion will be needed over the next decade to rebuild Gaza.