Israel launched the 23-day Operation Cast Lead at the end of 2008 with the stated aim of trying to halt repeated rocket attacks against it from Gaza. More than 1,400 people were killed and at least 5,000 others were injured.

The report – which focuses on both early recovery and reconstruction needs – says educational facilities such as schools are among the categories of buildings hardest hit since the offensive. More than 82 per cent of such facilities remain unrepaired or unreconstructed today.

Private homes are also affected, with almost none of the 3,425 homes that were destroyed in the conflict having been reconstructed. An estimated 75 per cent of agricultural land and premises and 60 per cent of private businesses are also still damaged.

But the report notes that Gaza has been assisted by $151 million given by donors in the form of job-generation schemes, food aid and other projects.

Gaza also experienced “a degree of economic recovery” last year, with a fall in unemployment rates, a rise in the number of operating industrial facilities as well as continued informal trade through the tunnels.

“However, the sustainability of this limited recovery is questionable,” the report states, citing the declining purchasing power of the estimated 1.5 million Palestinians living in Gaza and their dependence on outside aid.