Primitive Methods of Survival in Gaza's Harsh Winter
As winter approaches, the residents of Gaza, particularly in Khan Yunis, are resorting to primitive methods to cope with the severe cold due to a crippling shortage of fuel and cooking gas. With the ongoing Israeli air strikes, many have turned to producing charcoal from the remnants of trees destroyed during military incursions. Fayez Al-Azzammeh, a local charcoal producer, describes the perilous conditions under which he works, amid the constant threat of air strikes and the harsh realities of war.
The reliance on charcoal has surged as many families, displaced and living in tents, find it a more affordable alternative to cooking gas. However, the prices of charcoal have skyrocketed, with costs reaching 20 shekels (approximately $6) per kilogram, up from less than 2 shekels before the conflict. This dramatic price increase is largely due to the ongoing blockade and the destruction of local resources.
The humanitarian crisis has left many Gazans unable to meet their basic needs, forcing them to explore dangerous and unsustainable alternatives for heating and cooking. Children, like 13-year-old Malak Nidal, are seen scavenging for flammable materials to support their families, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the population.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The situation in Gaza has been exacerbated by a stifling siege that has severely restricted access to essential goods, including cooking gas. The blockade has rendered many families unable to afford even the most basic necessities, leading to a rise in makeshift solutions for survival. The International Committee to Support the Rights of the Palestinian People reports that over 650,000 individuals, including many children, have been deprived of education and forced into labor due to the ongoing conflict.
The reliance on charcoal and firewood is not new for Gazans, who have faced a perpetual electricity crisis since the blockade began in 2007. However, the current war has intensified these challenges, pushing families like Umm Ali Abu Amsha's to the brink. Displaced multiple times, she struggles to provide for her 11 children while fearing the health implications of winter's cold on their already vulnerable state.
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the resilience and resourcefulness of Gazans continue to shine through, even as they navigate the harsh realities of war and displacement.
