during the height
of the blockade. The economy of Gaza grew by 8% in the first 11 months of 2010.
Economic activity is largely supported by foreign aid donations. There are a
number of hotels in Gaza, including the Palestine, Grand Palace, Adam, al-Amal,
al-Quds, Cliff, al-Deira and Marna House. All, except the Palestine Hotel, are
located along in the coastal Rimal district. The United Nations (UN) has a
beach club on the same street. Gaza is not a frequent destination for tourists,
and most foreigners who stay in hotels are journalists, aid workers, UN and Red
Cross personnel. Upmarket hotels include the al-Quds and the al-Deira Hotel.
In 2012, unemployment dropped to 25 percent.
In November 2012, a report by the Palestinian Chamber of Commerce called for
the Gaza Strip to be recognized as an economic disaster area after it concluded
that the Israeli Operation Pillar of Defense caused approximately $300 million
in economic damage
