Gaza has one of the poorest economies in the world and last year's Israeli offensive on the territory has made matters worse.<br /><br />According to the United Nations, the offensive destroyed or damaged hundreds of factories, besides ruining Gaza's agriculture.<br /><br />The UN puts the region's jobless rate at 45 per cent.<br /><br />As a result, thousands of Gazans try to cross into Israel in desperate search for work. But in view of the siege imposed on the territory by Israel, it is a hazardous journey and many do not make it.<br /><br />A Palestinian human rights group says about 60 Gazans have been killed trying to cross the border since 2000.<br /><br />According to John Ging, the director of the UN Relief and Works Agency in Gaza, there is no legitimate economy in Gaza anymore.<br /><br />"Eighty per cent of Gazans are dependent UN food handouts and the amount given is totally inadequate for a dignified existence," he says.<br /><br />Barnaby Phillips reports from Gaza.<br /><br />[March 29, 2010]
