logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2021
17m 58s

The economic life of Gaza

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Israel's military says it struck a thousand targets in Gaza last month, in response to more than 4,300 missiles it claims were fired into Israel. With the latest bout of violence now over, the reconstruction can begin once again.

Manuela Saragosa speaks to Samir Mansour, who saw his famous Gaza bookshop destroyed before his eyes. International donors want to help rebuild businesses like Samir's. Elizabeth Campbell, director at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, describes how this can be done without also enabling the Hamas government, which is labelled a terrorist group by the US, EU and Israel.

Israel and Egypt maintain a blockade on Gaza that has rendered commerce with the outside world almost impossible. But could the economy have great potential, were the blockade ever lifted? Asmaa AbuMezied of Oxfam points to Gaza’s fledgling startup scene, while Manal White of the social enterprise Zaytoun in London highlights the opportunity for Gazan agricultural exports.

Producer: Frey Lindsay

(Picture: Samir Mansour stands before the remains of his bookstore in Gaza; Credit: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)

Up next
Today
The cocoa conundrum
<p>Can Europe be weaned off cheap chocolate? EU efforts to block cocoa linked to deforestation were due to come into force at the end of this year – but have faced multiple delays. Another vote is due to take place soon. Some parties are pushing for further delay and modification ... Show More
20m 42s
Yesterday
Is this the end for South East Asia's scam centres?
<p>It’s one of the biggest human trafficking operations of modern times. Scam centres across South East Asia have been making hundreds of billions of dollars annually, it’s estimated, conning people into fake crypto-currency investment schemes. </p><p>But now these centres could ... Show More
18m 29s
Nov 24
Monetising Machu Picchu
<p>Peru is home to Machu Picchu - the ancient Inca city in the Andes mountains. </p><p>It's one of the seven wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The popular tourist destination attracts millions of visitors, making it very lucrative for the government, local a ... Show More
17m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
Nowhere to go, and Nowhere is Safe: The massacres of Gaza and the war between Hamas and Israel
<p>The Israeli bombardment of the people of Gaza has unleashed horrors.&nbsp;</p><p>Thousands have been killed, including thousands of children. There’s no end in sight, and Israel does not look like it will step away from its path.&nbsp;</p><p>The past 27 days in Gaza have been ... Show More
41m 36s
Dec 2023
Could Israel's war on Gaza trigger a wider conflict?
20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israel, armed and backed by the US and European allies. There's more fighting nearby too: Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen are among the groups involved. So, could Israel's war on Gaza trigger a wider conflict? Join hos ... Show More
25m 8s
Jun 2024
Brief: Israel attacks more tents in Gaza, garbage poses worsening threat
<p>As Israel&rsquo;s war on Gaza continues, we're coming to you on Sundays with a weekly roundup. This week: Israel's Prime Minister said operations in Gaza would become less intense as its military once more attacked Palestinians sheltering in tents. Uncollected garbage in Gaza ... Show More
6m 23s
Oct 2023
What is Hamas, and what’s happening in Gaza?
Israel’s response to the brutal attacks by Hamas has been swift and devastating. The two million people who live in Gaza are now under a siege - they are quickly running out of food and water. The one power station has shut down meaning an end to electricity supplies. Hamas has b ... Show More
19m 38s
Nov 2023
What dangers does winter bring for the people of Gaza?
Israel's war on Gaza has brought catastrophe to 2.3 million Palestinians. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes, some left with just a plastic tent for shelter. Already weakened by war, what fresh dangers does winter bring for the people of Gaza? Join Host Folly ... Show More
22m 9s