Gaza ‘reduced to dust’ as world commits in Doha to eradicate poverty – Al Jazeera

Report on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and its Conflict with Sustainable Development Goals

I. Overview of the Crisis

Following a devastating two-year war, the Gaza Strip faces a catastrophic humanitarian situation that fundamentally undermines the core principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The enclave’s economy and infrastructure are destroyed, and its population is largely displaced. Commitments made at the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) to “leave no one behind” stand in stark contrast to the reality on the ground, where access to basic necessities is severely limited.

II. Failure to Meet Basic Human Needs and Core SDGs

The conflict has resulted in a complete regression of progress toward several key SDGs, creating conditions where survival, let alone development, is a daily challenge.

A. SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

• The economy has been destroyed, directly contravening the goal of poverty eradication.
• Access to food is critically compromised, with residents reporting that even bread is difficult to obtain.
• Food prices remain six to ten times higher than pre-war levels.
• Israel has permitted the entry of only 4,453 aid trucks, a fraction of the amount stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, severely impeding efforts to combat hunger.

B. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) & SDG 4 (Quality Education)

• The health sector is in a state of collapse, with severe shortages of medical equipment and medicines.
• Hundreds of healthcare workers have been killed or detained.
• More than 68,000 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, with an estimated 10,000 buried under rubble, representing a profound loss of life.
• The destruction of educational facilities, including schools, has eliminated access to quality education for an entire generation.

III. Widespread Destruction of Infrastructure

The physical devastation in Gaza presents an insurmountable barrier to achieving goals related to sustainable infrastructure and communities.

A. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) & SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

1. An estimated 92 percent of all residential buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.
2. The conflict has generated between 55 and 60 million tonnes of rubble, the clearance of which could take years.
3. Essential infrastructure, including clinics, shops, and homes, has been “reduced to dust.”
4. The majority of the population is displaced, living in makeshift tents with no privacy, comfort, or protection from the elements, failing the objective of safe and resilient human settlements.

IV. Preconditions for Development: Peace, Justice, and Institutional Integrity

Humanitarian analysis concludes that sustainable development is unattainable while the population is denied fundamental rights and security. The achievement of SDG 16 is a prerequisite for progress on all other goals.

A. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

Experts and aid organizations assert that development cannot be separated from justice and peace. For any meaningful recovery and development to occur, the international community must prioritize the following actions:

• Enforce a permanent and stable ceasefire. The current truce has been violated at least 80 times, resulting in over 240 Palestinian deaths.
• Ensure the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid and medical supplies.
• Uphold international humanitarian law and hold parties accountable for atrocities committed.
• Address the root causes of the conflict, including the military occupation and blockade.
• Support Palestinian self-determination to lead their own recovery and define their future.

Without these foundational elements of peace and justice, global development declarations remain symbolic and ineffective for the people of Gaza, for whom rebuilding their lives, safety, and dignity is the primary objective.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, touching upon multiple interconnected issues that directly relate to several Sustainable Development Goals. The analysis identifies the following SDGs as being relevant:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article describes a situation where “access to basic needs remains a luxury,” pointing to extreme poverty.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Specific mentions of food insecurity, such as “lips dry,” “Even bread can feel out of reach,” and inflated food prices, directly connect to this goal.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The text describes a “catastrophic” health sector, with shortages of medical supplies, destruction of clinics, and a high number of casualties.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – The destruction of educational infrastructure is explicitly mentioned with the statement that “Schools… have been reduced to dust.”
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article states that Gaza’s “economy [is] destroyed,” indicating a complete collapse of economic activity and employment.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The widespread destruction of physical infrastructure is a central theme, with mentions of “infrastructure in ruins” and millions of tonnes of rubble.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The focus on destroyed homes, displaced populations, and inadequate shelter in camps directly relates to the goal of safe and sustainable human settlements.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The entire context of the article—war, violence, lack of safety, ceasefire violations, and calls for justice and accountability—is rooted in this goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets are being severely undermined. The following targets can be identified:

1. Target 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to… economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
   • Explanation: The war described is a massive shock and disaster that has destroyed the resilience of the population, leaving them displaced and without access to basic needs.
2. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • Explanation: The article highlights the failure to meet this target by stating, “Even bread can feel out of reach,” and noting that aid trucks are severely restricted, with only “a quarter of what was supposed to enter daily” being allowed in.
3. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including… access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines.
   • Explanation: The article describes “severe shortages of medical equipment and medicines” and notes that “clinics… have been reduced to dust,” indicating a complete collapse of access to healthcare.
4. Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities… and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
   • Explanation: The destruction of schools, as mentioned in the article, makes achieving this target impossible. The call for “school rehabilitation” underscores the relevance of this target.
5. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Explanation: The article’s description of “infrastructure in ruins” and “55-60 million tonnes of rubble” directly points to the complete reversal of progress on this target.
6. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Explanation: With “92 percent of all residential buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed” and people living in “thin, flimsy tents,” access to adequate and safe housing has been eliminated for a vast portion of the population.
7. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Explanation: The article provides direct evidence of the failure to meet this target by citing casualty figures: “More than 68,000 Palestinians have been confirmed killed” and “More than 240 Palestinians… have been killed by the Israeli army since the ceasefire began.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure the situation and any potential progress (or lack thereof) towards the identified targets.

• Indicator for SDG 16 (Violence): The number of conflict-related deaths is explicitly stated.
  • Evidence: “More than 68,000 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, with some 10,000 still buried under the rubble.” Also, “More than 240 Palestinians, including dozens of children, have been killed by the Israeli army since the ceasefire began.”
• Indicator for SDG 11 & 9 (Housing & Infrastructure): The proportion of damaged or destroyed buildings.
  • Evidence: “According to UN estimates, 92 percent of all residential buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.”
• Indicator for SDG 2 (Food Access): The volume of humanitarian aid allowed entry.
  • Evidence: “Israel has only allowed 4,453 trucks to enter, barely a quarter of what was supposed to enter daily according to the ceasefire agreement.”
• Indicator for SDG 3 (Health System): The number of healthcare workers affected by conflict.
  • Evidence: “…hundreds of healthcare workers killed or still detained.”
• Indicator for SDG 11 (Displacement): The number of displaced persons living in inadequate shelter.
  • Evidence: The article describes people “Living in the displacement camps” in “thin, flimsy tents that barely stand against the wind.” While not giving a number, it implies a large-scale displacement crisis.
• Indicator for SDG 16 (Peace): The number of ceasefire violations.
  • Evidence: “Israel has violated the ceasefire at least 80 times, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.”

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aljazeera.com