Tag Archives: construction materials

The defense minister goes green with a new recycling program in Gaza

To mark the month of Ramadan, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved a series of gestures toward Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. At first glance, these gestures appear to be good news, but further examination reveals that most of them … Continue reading

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A different kind of housing crisis

Tent cities have sprung up around the country, as people frustrated with the high cost of housing in Israel and inspired by campers on the tony Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv are sleeping outside and blocking main roads in protest.  … Continue reading

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Numbers, meet context

A new report by COGAT looks at statistics one year after the Israeli government decided to “expand the civilian policy toward the Strip” and “ease” the closure. How do the numbers look in the wider context? Continue reading

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De-constructing the construction boom

Early last week, the Israeli Army Spokesperson’s Unit announced “widespread construction” in the Gaza Strip after the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories approved 121 projects funded by international organizations. According to the report, following the approval, the Gaza economy was expected “to be bolstered”. Leaving aside the recurring declarations of approval of the same projects, construction is proceeding at a snail’s pace because Israel operates only a single crossing into the Gaza Strip – Kerem Shalom – through which all goods are transferred, leaving little room for building materials… Continue reading

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How to lift the closure of Gaza in three easy steps

Following Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister’s declaration last week, Gisha proposes three steps to end the closure while protecting security interests. Continue reading

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Lately there ain't been much work on account of the economy

Recently, it has been suggested that Gaza’s economy shows signs of recovery. Yet, a closer look at the reality behind the numbers reveals a picture of limited economic activity, mostly fueled by external aid… Continue reading

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Children of the gravel

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, Hasan, 17, was shot in the leg in the now-defunct Erez industrial area in the northern Gaza Strip: “I was collecting gravel with the other workers, when one of the Israeli soldiers in the watchtower fired a shot which hit me in the right leg. I immediately fell to the ground in great pain. Everyone started running away, except for one youngster who I didn’t know, who came and tried to help me, but he couldn’t lift me”. In the meantime, the soldiers kept firing… Continue reading

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