Market for second-hand goods grows in Gaza as economy gets weaker

The market for second-hand goods is growing in the besieged Gaza Strip as the economy weakens due to the Israeli-led blockade. Al-Yarmouk Market has become a popular place for Palestinian consumers to find bargains which they can afford.

Dozens of workers are employed in the second-hand goods trade, selling items as diverse as clothes, shoes, kitchen appliances, electronic goods and construction materials. This is a positive sign, given that unemployment now stands at 45 per cent. There are an estimated 150,000 university graduates unemployed across the coastal enclave.

Used goods are also subject to import restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities, as part of the comprehensive siege gripping the territory.

Images by MEMO Photographer Mohammed Asad.