Gaza Residents Burn Plastic Waste To Produce Fuel

A waste disposal site in Beit Lahia, Gaza. (Source: UNDP)

JAKARTA - The Israeli blockade that has been implemented in the Gaza Strip since the latest conflict broke out in the Palestinian enclave last October, made it difficult for residents there not only to meet their basic needs, but also to lack fuel.

Israel blocks the entry of almost all fuel into Gaza. The reason is to prevent its use by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

This condition made Palestinians in the northern region destroyed switch to using plastic waste to make their own fuel.

"We walked a long way to collect plastic and carry it from collapsed buildings and towers. Sometimes I am afraid of reconnaissance (by the Israeli military) and I am afraid that debris will fall on me as I walk," said Mostafa Mosleh (16) while holding the items he had picked up for 13 hours of his daily lap.

Relatives, Mahmoud Mosleh, sorted the items with other workers, cut them into smaller parts, then burned them in an emergency oven installed between the remains of the building.

"I have an idea, and thankfully, we succeeded with God's help to turn plastic into gasoline and fuel," said the 35-year-old Gazan who fled.

"We are turning to this work due to a lack of acute petroleum products," he said.

Other Palestinians, such as 53-year-old driver Farid Gomama, headed for Beit Lahia in the northern part of the line to obtain some of the fuel generated from plastic burning, are facing clashes between Hamas militants and Israeli forces as well as widespread Israeli airstrikes.

"We came here in danger and we traveled a long way to get one liter of fuel, which is cheaper than elsewhere," he explained.

The process of burning plastic is full of challenges, and arson is a risk other than bombing. However, after 11 months of war, Gazans did so steadfastly.

"We walk with God's protection," said Mahmoud.

This week, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said Gaza and northern areas were facing a severe fuel supply shortage needed to operate ambulances, emergency medical clinics and aid services, amid fears of a total shutdown.

PRCS confirmed in a statement, "the community team in the two regions has suffered from a severe fuel supply shortage of nearly three weeks, given the persistent occupation refusal to allow sufficient fuel to enter health service providers in Gaza and northern Gaza."