Fruit of international infrastructure work, the sea is less polluted this summer in the enclave. An event for 2 million prisoners of the Israeli blockade.
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Children biting in a cart pulled by a donkey, direction Beit Lahia beach, full north. A popular beach, known among the least polluted in Gaza. The men bathe in body jersey, under the immense white fireplaces of the Israeli electric plant in Ashkelon. The kids dig, swing brewed sand around them. The kids of Israel have done the same, in recent days, on the other side of the no man’s sea, prohibited for fishermen.
The sea is specific to Gaza. The authorities affirm this. Bathers pretend to believe it. Wastewater treatment plants spit less dirty water. This rare success is to be credited by international donors who reject these infrastructure. It is a considerable event on this narrow coastal strip that the Israeli blockade methodically destroyed for fifteen years. Gaza continues wars and deadly climbing. Still in early August, three days of Israeli bombing against Islamic jihad – which replied by rockets – killed 49 Palestinians. In the enclave, having fun is a question of survival.
Waji El Shafaie, 57, dry under a parasol. This is the second time, this summer, that he goes to the beach with his own. They rushed there shortly after the bombing. “After confinement, fear, we needed to go out, rest the mind,” said the municipal employee. They brought what picnic, tea, coffee, they only paid the location on the sandy beach – 20 shekels (6 euros). “We are not about to leave!” He laughs, pointing to three of his daughters who float in the distance, their large dresses drawing black circles in the water.
Khadija, 26, had not been to the beach for three years. First of all because Hamas had closed access to the sea during the confinements due to the COVVI-19. Then lack of money. This day costs him 10 shekels (3 euros). Pale face, she waits for the sun to decline to bathe, dressed and veiled. He will have to hurry to return to put the last of his five children in bed. At night, the beaches are full until after 11 p.m. 2> Three new purification stations
Water is a hot molasses that does not refresh. But what else to do during electricity cuts? This one is working this scorching summer, by slices from six to eight o’clock. “Here, it’s paradise,” said Khadija. At home, I feel in prison. I have nothing for myself, nothing to do if not pray and take care of children. When I need rest, I lock myself in the shower. The sea, I speak to her, she is my friend. “
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