Life by the Shore

In the early morning, Gaza’s fishermen head out before dawn, their small wooden boats gliding into the Mediterranean. But they are not free to sail where they want.
Israel’s blockade restricts fishing to a narrow zone — sometimes as little as 6 nautical miles from shore — far from the rich fishing areas they once accessed.

Going beyond this limit can mean arrest, boat confiscation, or even being fired upon. Each trip is not just about earning a living — it’s a test of courage and faith.

Economic Struggles and Scarcity

Because of the blockade, importing nets, engines, and spare parts is almost impossible. Many boats are old and damaged, forcing fishermen to repair them with limited materials.
Their catches have dropped dramatically — from hundreds of tons a month before the blockade to just a fraction today.

Fish prices rise in the local markets, making seafood — once a staple — a rare luxury for many Gazan families. For the fishermen, every day is a gamble between hunger and survival.

The Human Side of the Struggle

Behind every fishing trip, there are stories of fathers teaching sons, of wives waiting by the shore, and of communities built around the rhythm of the waves.
Despite the danger, fishermen say they feel a spiritual connection to the sea — it gives them peace, freedom, and a sense of purpose.

“Even when the sea is closed to us,” one fisherman says, “we still dream of open waters.”

Hope Beyond the Horizon

Some organizations in Gaza now work to support the fishing community — repairing boats, providing training, and documenting violations.
But true relief will only come when Gaza’s fishermen can once again sail freely and provide for their families without fear.

Final Thoughts

Gaza’s fishing industry is more than an economic sector — it’s a symbol of endurance and identity. The waves that crash against Gaza’s shore carry not just salt and wind, but the stories of men who refuse to surrender.

Share their story. Every net cast into Gaza’s sea is an act of defiance, a declaration that life continues — even under blockade.

The post Gaza’s Fishing Industry: A Lifeline Under Threat appeared first on Shar Gaza.

The cost of living in Gaza is not just measured in money — it’s measured in survival.
For most families, every loaf of bread, every liter of fuel, and every medicine bottle represents a daily struggle. Under blockade and economic collapse, prices rise while incomes fall, leaving people to fight for the basics of life.

Life Under Economic Pressure

The blockade has cut Gaza off from trade and job opportunities for more than a decade. Unemployment is among the highest in the world — especially among young people and graduates. Even skilled workers like electricians, teachers, or engineers often earn less than $5 a day.

With limited imports and a weak economy, inflation hits hard.
When prices for essentials like flour, rice, or vegetables increase, families must make impossible choices — between food and medicine, light and water, rent and clothing.

Food and Fuel Shortages

Many families rely on humanitarian aid from organizations like UNRWA just to eat. Even with this support, shortages are constant. Electricity runs for only a few hours each day, forcing families to buy fuel for generators — if they can afford it.

Cooking gas and clean water are also expensive, and sometimes completely unavailable.
For parents, providing three meals a day is a victory; for children, it’s a dream that depends on luck.

The Hidden Cost: Mental and Emotional Toll

The economic crisis doesn’t only affect wallets — it affects hearts and minds.
Parents carry guilt for not being able to give their children a normal life. Young people lose hope for the future as opportunities vanish. The cost of living becomes the cost of dreaming.

Despite that, families in Gaza continue to smile, gather, and celebrate small joys — a reminder that humanity endures even in scarcity.

Small Businesses and Resilience

Amid hardship, small business owners show remarkable creativity.
Women bake bread or sweets at home to sell in local markets. Men repair old bicycles or repurpose broken electronics. Farmers and fishermen share tools and resources to survive the shortages.

Each small effort adds a spark of dignity and self-reliance to daily life — proof that resilience is Gaza’s greatest currency.

Final Thoughts

In Gaza, survival has become an economy of its own. Every purchase, every meal, and every candle lit at night tells a story of perseverance.
While statistics speak of poverty, the people of Gaza speak of hope.

The true “cost of living” in Gaza is not what people pay, but what they endure — and still, they keep going, refusing to let hardship define their spirit.

The post The Cost of Living in Gaza Today appeared first on Shar Gaza.