• A Palestinian worker in Jabalia on the northern Gaza Strip prepares plastic for processing to extract fuel. All photos AFP
    A Palestinian worker in Jabalia on the northern Gaza Strip prepares plastic for processing to extract fuel. All photos AFP
  • Gaza is one of the poorest parts of the Middle East.
    Gaza is one of the poorest parts of the Middle East.
  • Palestinians in Gaza are burning existing plastic to make affordable diesel.
    Palestinians in Gaza are burning existing plastic to make affordable diesel.
  • More and more people are using plastic for fuel to make ends meet.
    More and more people are using plastic for fuel to make ends meet.
  • As more and more people adopt this practice, fears grow that workers could inhale toxic fumes omitted when the plastic is burned.
    As more and more people adopt this practice, fears grow that workers could inhale toxic fumes omitted when the plastic is burned.
  • A Palestinian worker rolls a cigarette during a break from processing plastic.
    A Palestinian worker rolls a cigarette during a break from processing plastic.
  • Unemployment in Gaza has hit an alarming 47 per cent.
    Unemployment in Gaza has hit an alarming 47 per cent.
  • The average daily wage in Gaza is just $18.
    The average daily wage in Gaza is just $18.
  • Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, petrol delivered from Israel skyrocketed to $2.40 a litre in Gaza.
    Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, petrol delivered from Israel skyrocketed to $2.40 a litre in Gaza.
  • A worker pours shredded plastic into a furnace.
    A worker pours shredded plastic into a furnace.
  • After the plastic melts and the vapors flow through a pipe into a water tank, fuel is transferred into containers.
    After the plastic melts and the vapors flow through a pipe into a water tank, fuel is transferred into containers.
  • Palestinians work on machinery that extracts fuel from recycled plastic.
    Palestinians work on machinery that extracts fuel from recycled plastic.
  • One tankful of plastic can produce 264 gallons of fuel, but it's a lengthy process.
    One tankful of plastic can produce 264 gallons of fuel, but it's a lengthy process.

MENA

Palestinians in Gaza are turning plastic into fuel - in pictures

People in one of the poorest parts of the Middle East have found a way to tackle rising diesel costs

The National

September 04, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic
Updated: September 04, 2022, 12:59 PM
PhotographyGaza