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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
Yesterday, the White House held a ‘brainstorming session’ to promote solutions for the humanitarian crisis in the Strip. Here are a few facts worth mentioning in any conversation about solutions for Gaza. Continue reading
