August 2012
The Gaza Strip
1. Economic growth - In 2011 the Gaza Strip enjoyed a 27% growth rate compared to 2010. This growth contributed to a rise of about 23% in the per capita GDP. The growth is mainly the result of a significant acceleration in building activity in the Gaza Strip, due to Israel's easing the restrictions on bringing in building materials (for international projects under the supervision of the PA and the international community) and to the smuggling of building supplies via the tunnels. In the first quarter of 2012, the Gaza Strip showed 6% growth compared to the first quarter of the previous year.

The unemployment rate in 2011 dropped to 29% (the lowest in a decade), compared to 37.8% in 2010.

2. Goods passage at Kerem Shalom crossing - The transfer capacity of the crossing is much bigger than the actual utilization. Israel allows the transfer of all types of goods to the Gaza Strip (except for dual-use goods, including construction materials). In addition, Israel allows the export of agricultural produce from Gaza. In the last winter season (November 2011 through May 2012) about 436 tons of strawberries, 97 tons of tomatoes, 57 tons of cherry tomatoes, 57 tons of peppers and about 9 million units of flowers were exported. Recently a scanner was installed that will facilitate export activity from the Gaza Strip.