Dutch delegation visits Gaza Chamber of Commerce

Representative for the Netherlands to the Palestinian Authority Peter Mollema visits a chicken farm supplied with water that is provided by a Dutch-funded project, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip May 1, 2016. [Ashraf Amra / Apa Images]

Representative for the Netherlands to the Palestinian Authority Peter Mollema visits a Dutch-funded water supply project in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip May 1, 2016. [Ashraf Amra / Apa Images]

Representative for the Netherlands to the Palestinian Authority Peter Mollema visits a Dutch-funded water supply project in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip May 1, 2016. [Ashraf Amra / Apa Images]

Representative for the Netherlands to the Palestinian Authority Peter Mollema visits a Dutch-funded water supply project in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip May 1, 2016. [Ashraf Amra / Apa Images]

A Dutch delegation has visited the Gaza Strip and met with members of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday.

The delegation included, head of mission, Peter Mollema, First Secretary for Food Security, Wijnand Marchal and embassy adviser, Mohammad Al- Mogheir.

The head of Gaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Walid Al-Husari briefed the delegation about the economic crisis plaguing the Gaza Strip, as a result of the ongoing Israeli siege and repeated military attacks, as well as the stalled reconstruction process.

According to Al-Husari the unemployment rate in Gaza has reached 41 per cent while the unemployment rate among university graduates has reached 51 per cent.

Al-Husari said extreme poverty rates now stand at 65 per cent, while the GDP has fallen by more than 20 per cent.

Deputy Chairman of the Chamber, Bader Sabra, said that the enclave is suffering from the Israeli blockade which prevents the entry of the most basic needs, especially cement. He urged the delegation to pressure Israel to end its blockade and allow the export of the territory’s products.