Gas

This petrol station near my office reopened a few months ago, but has a retro look that somehow makes me think of petrol stations in the countryside back home (minus the palm trees and grandiose columns).

A few times since it reopened, there has been a queue of cars lining the road, waiting for an opportunity to refuel with precious petrol.

Fuel is often a scarce commodity in the Gaza Strip, which relies on the smuggling tunnels from Egypt for much of its supply.

As the Occupying Power, Israel is responsible for ensuring that the basic needs of the people of the Gaza Strip are met. However, in September, for example, only 0.02% of the benzene and 0.03% of the diesel needed was allowed to enter Gaza from Israel.

Severe limitations on the import of fuel and poor management of the resources available leave the people of Gaza at risk of an energy crisis at any time and at little notice.