Gaza’s Beaches: A Haven for Investors and Respite for Residents Amid Ongoing Israeli Blockade
(AWP) - Investors and residents in Gaza are finding a saving grace in its beaches as a place of respite and a rare investment opportunity amid the economic siege imposed on the strip by Israel.
Official figures report a 20% increase in investments in resort construction in Gaza over the past five years, bringing the total number of tourist establishments to 670, despite the relatively narrow geographical area.
While Gaza investors do not have many options to operate their capital, they prefer to turn to the establishment of resorts that are popular with the public during times of calm in the Gaza Strip, which witnesses periodical tensions with Israel.
"All the tourist facilities that are currently being built make Gaza more beautiful," said Ahmad Suhail, an investor who contributed to establishing a tourist resort in Gaza.
"Expatriates who come from abroad for the first time in years are amazed by the beauty of the resorts and tourist destinations in the Gaza Strip," he added.
"All of this conveys to the world that Gaza is not just about war and destruction, but that there is a beautiful side, these beautiful places, the nature of the people, and the generosity that we have among the people of Gaza."
According to Eyad Hamatto, one of the guests at the resort, Palestinians "suffer from hardship, blockades, and the threat of war."
He says that frequenting tourist resorts in Gaza provides a breathing space "where we can find comfort in light of the situation, we are currently living in."
"We are currently living in an atmosphere of fear and anxiety prevail about what is to come amid Israeli threats to the Gaza Strip."