Religious scholars in Gaza have tried to issue a ruling that prohibits emigration from it, but that does not help: more and more Palestinian middle-class boys and girls are choosing to try their luck elsewhere. The difficult humanitarian situation and the desperation of the political situation only strengthen the decision
Tell Al Sultan is a middle-class in Gaza whose family has a pharmacy. Compared to most Gazans, his situation was good: he had a steady income, he did not suffer from poverty – but still felt choked. Al Sultan blamed Hamas for the dismal state of Gaza and even participated in the rare protests against the organization. His mysterious death this week, on his way to finding a better life in Belgium, became the talk of the day in the Strip, prompting reactions of frustration and despair by middle-class people who see no future: “Everywhere is better than Gaza.”
According to the Associated Press, Al Sultan is “massively alive under the rigid Hamas rule” and therefore decided to go on a trip to Europe. He escaped not only because of the economic situation, but also because of Hamas’ persecution and inability to control the Gaza Strip. In social media posts, he called on Sultan to go on demonstrations and his friend said that last March, members of the organization arrested him and beat him with a pole.
This event made Thamer decide to flee like thousands of other Gazans – scholars and financially capable. The Gaza Strip claims that there are barely enough doctors, lawyers, teachers and entrepreneurs, warning that “the Palestinian dream of establishing a prosperous independent state is disappearing.”
According to the United Nations, more than half of Gazans are unemployed, and 80% depend on humanitarian aid. Water in taps is unworthy of drinking and electricity is only a few hours a day. Escape to Europe.
The figures show that more than 100,000 people have left the Strip in the last two years. Some are back, but no accurate data. Hamas is troubled by the situation, and a senior official recently issued a fatwa (religious ruling) against immigration: “Anyone who abandons the homeland without intent to return will feel the wrath of God.”
Muhammad Nasir, a BA graduate from the Gaza Strip, told AP about the difficult situation: “We have nothing left here. There is no work, no present, no future and above all – no hope. Anywhere is better than Gaza.” Karim Neshwan, a former Gaza resident who now lives in Brussels, managed to escape from Gaza in 2016. Speaking to the agency, he said: “I wish I had escaped sooner. My children decided to leave and agreed with them – there is no future or life in Gaza, no hope for the Gaza Strip.”
During last fake war in Gaza, many heard Putin’s comment, “make the place a parking lot”. Bibi of course remained Bibi, to get his peace partners to not make it worth while to kill Jews, from their perspective, he does nothing….. But when it comes to legally(?) kidnapping and torturing Jewish kids to get false confessions out of them, or pronouncing a Jewish soldier guilty of killing one of his “peace partners” in Hevron, before even an inquiry, this Bibi is very good at. Its past the time for Bibi to exit the political scene in Israel.
Was’ent life good until Sharon created today’s mess? Jobs in the Jewish towns, villages, good pay, good benefits health care.
Proper rule of law. The Jews forced out many are still suffering, so why should the sodomites get a better ride?
I think that one solution to the Palestinian “question” would be to let all Arabs who are listed as Palestinians by UNWRA and the Arab states to immigrate to the United States as “refugees.” That would lead to a massive increase in terrorism in the United States, especially against Jews. But it might also force most American Jews to immigrate to Israel. And that would be a good thing.
Source Ted? Date of article?
Israelicool, I think it is, has reported that there are numerous luxury apartments and condominiums in Gaza. The streets are clogged with cars.
There are hundreds of luxurious “villas” as they are called, which are rented out to wealthy Gazans to allow them an in-Gaza luxurious vacation. Somehow the water in the villas is pure, drinkable and swimmable, there they all come with swimming pools, exercise equipment, phone service, etc. There are beautiful gardens and shade trees.
Yes, there are poor people and poor neighborhoods in Gaza. But they do not form a larger percentage of the population than in other Arab countries. Poverty and homelessness are much worse in neighboring Egypt, and in Syria and Iraq. Many Gaza’s, including poor Gazans, receive free medical care, food and shelter from UNWRA. This is not available to non-Palestinian Arabs in other countries. And it is not available to all poor Americans, either.
I don’t doubt that many young middle-class Gazans want to leave Gaza, and that many others wish to do so. However that is true in nearly all “THird World” countries, including all Arab and Muslim countries. Nearly all educated , skilled people in these countries want to move to the United States, Canada or Europe. In fact, nearly all people in the “underdeveloped” world want to move to the ‘developed” countries, especially the United States. Nearly all have “the American dream.” That is why Europe and the United States have an immigration crisis.
Historically Gaza has never supported a large population. There is no reason to believe today they can support a large population. It has no natural resources, no water, oil, coal mines, no mineral wealth, no port, no strategic waterway, it has nothing except people who are poorly educated in contrast to Israel and the modern world. It doesn’t make any sense to live there except as a retirement community by the sea.