Multidimensional poverty in the aftermath of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the challenges of relief and social recovery - Policy Brief (5)
The discourse on multidimensional poverty (MDP), its indicators, measures, and alleviation, from a policy perspective for post-aggression relief and recovery, may be trivial in light of the vast destruction. However, initiating this discussion is critical to laying the groundwork for the lengthy processes involved in early-stages relief and later MDP alleviation.
An analysis on the expected socioeconomic impacts of the aggression on the Gaza Strip has found that deprivation in all Multidimensional Poverty (MDP) indicators has substantially increased.1. As this analysis covers only the first year of aggression, deprivation rates have likely increased since then. All indicators of MDP were impacted by the physical destruction, including destruction to water pipes, electricity networks, and most importantly housing units, schools and universities, health centers, and private sector establishments that provide employment. Displacement also constitutes a starting point for various forms of deprivation including frequent access to water and electricity, health in relation to increased likelihood of spread of contagious disease.
Current efforts between national and international organizations are ongoing to develop appropriate frameworks to measure MDP to ensure targeted support in the aftermath of the aggression, but are still in the early stages.2. During the first phase of the ceasefire in January, some intervention efforts began, but the scale of destruction has led to widespread deprivation, demanding extensive, coordinated, and sustained responses. This policy brief therefore outlines the key policy challenges associated with addressing MDP in post-aggression contexts and offers targeted reflections and recommendations to inform policy responses.