Afternoon with IPCRI: Gaza: Economical and Political Development - Prof. Mukhaimer Abu Saada

This event was supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands.

On 29 November 2011, IPCRI had the privilege to sit down with Professor from Gaza to discuss the political and economic developments since its siege. Abu Saada explains that while for five years the Gaza siege has deteriorated the situation on the ground, prohibiting the entrance and exit of goods and services, the construction of illegal tunnels have become vital means to meet the population's needs. He remarks that to an outsider it can astonishing to witness Gaza City is the target of great construction projects, high towers and tall building apartments. Thanks to this tunnel system, raw materials have been smuggled in, resulting in more job opportunities. No reason to be overoptimistic however, the professor continues, since most of these projects are financed and afforded by the wealthy business and diplomatic classes. Most of the socio-economic woes can be found in the numerous refugee camps scattered around the Gaza Strip where its refugees depend on the UNDP and other foreign aid. Considering the current situation, this can spill over to the remarkable 70 000 people that are still under the pay roll of the Palestinian Authority. Most of who stay at home. Another 10 000 Palestinians work for UNRWA, and thus directly rely on the civil society sector for income.

Since the rule of Hamas, the situation has improved significantly from four years ago. Public services have boosted but daily power cuts, steep unemployment rates and general poverty remain deeply rooted problems in Gaza's economy. Socially, Gaza has also suffered a thorough Islamization process, a significant effect of which has been a decrease in women's rights. While freedom of speech is limited in the local press and foreign media, liberal universities seem to remain epicenters of critical debate and discussion.

Regarding the current political situation, the Professor reveals that Gazans are increasingly more fed up with the reconciliation efforts, and there seems to be little room for optimism that the current political divide will be resolved. Even if there is reconciliation, people are skeptic of its outcome. While Hamas' popularity might have boosted thanks to the prisoner exchange, there is also a growing awareness about the direct correlation between the siege and Hamas rule, leaving many favoring Fatah in upcoming elections.

On a positive note, regional developments have increased Egyptian leverage over Hamas for solid reconciliation and peace efforts. The Professor concludes that it's becoming more apparent that neither Hamas nor the Muslim Brotherhood is interested in confronting Israel, but rather in improving their socio-economic conditions.

Category:

News & Politics

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• Afternoons with IPCRI
• IPCRI
• Gaza
• Mukhaimer Abu Saada
• Palestinian
• Palestine
• Israel
• 2011
• Economical
• Politcal
• Development
• November 29