Long Wait for Money at Gaza ATMs as Banks Continue to Close Its Doors
(AWP) - Palestinians in the Gaza Strip must wait in long lines in front of ATMs to withdraw even small amounts of money as Israel’s war on the Strip, begun nearly a month ago, continues.
Although banks have been closed since the outbreak of the war, some ATMs are active. Many others are either broken down or empty.
Mahmoud Abu Mahrouq, a Palestinian man waiting in a line outside an ATM in Khan Younes, Southern Gaza Strip, said, “I stood in the line for some time, but was hesitant. I wondered why people were gathered, and asked if there were any salaries.”
“I have a small amount of money that I want to withdraw to manage some affairs,” he added.
Mabrouk al-Qodra, a doctor, also came to withdraw money.
“The line is long. One could wait for quite a long time unless someone helps,” he said.
Israel has continued aerial attacks and ground operations in Gaza since Hamas waged a surprise attack on Israeli towns and settlements near the Strip on October 7.