Understanding Gaza's Financial Obligations to Israel for Essential Services
Gaza's financial obligations to Israel for essential services like food, water, and energy have been a complex and often contentious issue. While Palestinians indeed pay for some of these services, the true picture involves a multifaceted relationship between both parties.
The Changing Dynamics of Payments
Before Hamas took control over the Palestinian Authority (PA), the PA was responsible for paying Israel for the electricity and water supplied to Gaza and the West Bank. During a period of cooperation, the PA also paid salaries to Hamas members holding government positions in Gaza and former officials who were part of Fatah. However, a rift developed between Hamas and the PA, leading to a mutual agreement that PA would no longer fund the electricity and water used by Gaza and West Bank.
Hamas, acknowledging its responsibility, continued to receive aid and support from other countries, including some humanitarian aid. These international contributions, though vital, often fell short of covering all of Gaza's needs, which is a critical point to understand the complexities of the situation.
What Palestinians Pay for
Despite the complexities, Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank do make payments for certain goods and services. They can order and buy products from Israeli companies or import them, making payments before delivery. These products range widely, except for weapons, military products, and rocket-building materials. At one point, Israel attempted to control the import of cement to limit building activities, but this was met with opposition from the international community, particularly due to the importance of rebuilding efforts in Gaza post the 2014 war. Today, the consequences of this policy are evident in the presence of numerous tunnels that continue to be dismantled by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Building and Tunneling Under Gaza
The extensive tunnel network that has been constructed under Gaza, extending over 560 kilometers, is also a result of these financial and security dynamics. This network is not only a testament to the engineering skills of the local population but also a source of concern for Israel due to its potential for terrorist activities. These tunnels, which are more extensive than the overall length of the New York subway, have now become a target for military action, representing a significant investment in terms of both time and resources to dismantle and secure the region.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the continuous supply of essential services from Israel to Gaza reflects a commitment to humanitarian reasons even in the face of significant obstacles and conflicts.