Some officials in Gaza explain one of the reasons for the sharp increase in the birthrate is the Israeli closure, resulting in high unemployment and many men remaining at home. Dr. Hassan Khalif explained to al-Jazeera that 500,000 babies have been born in the last decade, bringing Gaza’s population to 1.5 million, making it one of the world’s most densely populated areas.

Less than six years ago, the annual birthrate was 48,000, reaching 53,000 in 2009 and almost touching 60,000 in 2010.

One thing is for certain, that Gaza is continuing to grow and demographic realities in the Hamas-controlled area will further complicate future dealings with the terrorist controlled area.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)