With Israel preventing almost all fuel from entering Gaza to thwart its use by Hamas militants, some Palestinians in the northern part of the devastated territory have resorted to using plastic waste to create their own fuel.
"We travel long distances to gather plastic from collapsed buildings and towers. Sometimes I fear being spotted by Israeli military reconnaissance and worry about debris falling on me as I walk," said Mostafa Mosleh, 16, clutching items he had collected during his 13-hour daily forays. His relative, Mahmoud Mosleh, sorts through the collected items with other workers, cuts them into smaller pieces, and then burns them in a makeshift oven set up amidst the ruins of buildings.
"I came up with the idea, and thanks to God, we managed to turn plastic into gasoline and fuel," said the 35-year-old displaced Gazan. "We turned to this work due to the severe shortage of petroleum products." Other Palestinians, like 53-year-old driver Farid Gomaa, travel to Beit Lahia in the northern part of the strip to obtain some of the fuel produced by burning plastic, braving clashes between Hamas militants and Israeli forces and widespread Israeli airstrikes.
"We come here despite the danger and endure a long journey to obtain a litre of fuel, which is cheaper than elsewhere," he said. The process of burning plastic is fraught with challenges, including the risk of burns and bombardment, but after 11 months of war, the Gazans engaged in this practice remain resolute.
"We walk with God's protection," Mahmoud said.
