U.S. decision to end funds to UNRWA: yet another blow to dire living conditions in Gaza

Posted on September 4, 2018
Person carrying box of UNRWA supplies, the Gaza Strip. Photo by Gisha.

The U.S. decision to end funding to the UN agency dealing with Palestinian refugees threatens to further undermine well-being in the Strip amidst already dismal living conditions. Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Not Always Coca Cola

Posted on August 14, 2018
Coca-cola bottles. Photo by Pixabay

When a Coca Cola bottling factory opened in Gaza in 2016, it was regarded as a rare source of hope for the Strip, promising to boost economic activity and provide over 200 jobs to Gaza residents. But even the world-famous megacorporation is not immune to the realities of Israel’s sanctions at Kerem Shalom. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, Gas, General, Movement of goods into Gaza, Movement of goods out of Gaza | 1 Comment

The story of Gaza’s solar-solution savant and her shipment stranded in Israel

Posted on July 30, 2018
Majd Al Mashharawi. Image taken from a Sun Box promotional clip

Twenty-four-year-old Majd Al Mashharawi is a young entrepreneur from Gaza and a founder of Sun Box, a company that manufactures small-scale solar power devices for home use. In early July, Majd and her colleagues finalized arrangements for a shipment of equipment to enter Gaza. But ever since July 10, when Israel closed the Kerem Shalom Crossing to all but food and fuel, the shipment has been stuck at the Port of Ashdod in Israel. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, Looking Forward, Movement of goods into Gaza, Movement of people out of Gaza | Leave a comment

Watching the World Cup in Gaza

Posted on July 15, 2018
Football fans watching a World Cup match in Gaza, July 2018. Photo by Gisha.

The communications company Jawwal recently installed a large screen on one of Gaza’s busiest streets, near the seafront, where residents gather to spend their leisure time. When Gisha’s field coordinator, Mohammed Azaiza, arrived at the spot about half an hour before the Brazil-Belgium match was due to begin, most of the seats were already taken. People from all walks of life attended the event; many were sitting on the sidewalk. Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment

“This year, we skipped importing specialty chocolates, so as to avoid losses”

Posted on June 17, 2018
Images: Markets in Gaza. Photos by Gisha

The days leading up to Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, used to be the busiest time of year for A., a Gaza chocolate distributor. He and his staff would start planning four months before the holiday. This year, Because of the dire economic situation in Gaza, further exacerbated over the past year by Israel’s tightening of the closure and the Palestinian Authority delaying salary payments to its employees in Gaza, A. says no one is buying chocolate. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, General | Leave a comment

“Most of the customers just come to look or ask to pay later.”

Posted on June 14, 2018
Markets in Gaza, June 2018. Photo by Gisha

Eid al-Fitr, which begins tomorrow, is traditionally a festive holiday and a new outfit is a must to mark the occasion. This year, The dire economic situation in Gaza, further exacerbated over the last year by Israel’s tightening of the closure and the Palestinian Authority delaying salary payments to its employees in Gaza, has impacted sales Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, General | Leave a comment

The time for “humanitarian gestures” and punitive measures is up. Israel must recognize its responsibility for Gaza and take immediate action

Posted on June 11, 2018

Yesterday, the Israeli Security Cabinet convened for a discussion regarding possible measures to “assist with the humanitarian situation” in Gaza. It is both disturbing and discouraging to learn that the three-hour discussion was fruitless, and no decisions were reached. Israel’s political and military leadership have publicly acknowledged the substantial deterioration of living conditions in the Strip. Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, Infrastructure, Looking Forward, scale of control | Leave a comment

As the death toll mounts and amidst deteriorating humanitarian crisis, Gaza crossings closed

Posted on May 14, 2018
Erez crossing. Photo by Gisha

Today, the protests near the fence separating Gaza from Israel are reaching a peak, and along with them, so too has the number of people killed and injured by the Israeli military. Gisha reiterates that international law prohibits the use … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Human rights | 1 Comment

Do the right thing: Let Gaza’s people live

Posted on April 15, 2018
Near the Gaza border. April 6, 2018.

Gaza’s residents live in manufactured, premeditated, unnecessary distress. When hatred and severe restrictions fail, the time comes to consider alternatives. When there are no military quick-fixes to the situation, it’s time to move toward political solutions. Continue reading →

Posted in General, Human rights | 1 Comment

Dreams Deferred

Posted on March 20, 2018
Image: Students in Gaza. Photo: Eman Mohammed

“When I returned to my homeland I had promised myself never to leave. I wanted to contribute to my own society and community. That decision turned out to be very significant”.Mariam Abu Alatta, a project manager and fundraiser at Aisha – Association for Woman and Child Protection in Gaza, shares her inspiring story Continue reading →

Posted in economic development, General | Leave a comment