Gaza receives 50% less aid this Ramadan

There have been a reduction in donations to the Gaza Strip during Ramadan 2017

Reduction in donations to the Gaza Strip during Ramadan 2017 on 14 June, 2017 [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

Palestinians living in the besieged Gaza Strip are receiving 50 per cent less funding and aid than would normally be entering the Strip during Ramadan.

This has meant local charity organisations and those backed by foreign parties are no longer able to meet the minimum needs of the poor families in Gaza.

Economic expert and Editor-in-chief of Al Eqtisadiah newspaper, Mohammed Abu Jayyab, told MEMO he believes sharp decline in the economic reality in Gaza due to a lack of cash, unemployment, continued blockade, and the salary cuts by the Palestinian Authority (PA) have all exacerbated the situation.

These factors have led to Palestinians being in need of aid and had a ripple effect on trade and markets. This has also led to a decreased ability on the part of the better off businessmen and traders to provide help to those in Gaza.

Read: Israel approves 40% reduction to electricity supply to Gaza

Many Arab and international organisations have stopped providing aid due to fears from measures taken against them by the PA, Abu Jayyab added. Various international organisations are being subject to pressure, crackdowns and financial complications if they want to operate in Gaza. This has deterred them from operating there, he explained.

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