• Palestinian men work at Al Hattab charcoal production facility, east of Gaza City. Workers cut down various types of trees, including citrus trees, Elkinia and Olivewood. After harvesting the trees, workers shape the wood into a pyramid that is buried beneath sand. AFP
    Palestinian men work at Al Hattab charcoal production facility, east of Gaza City. Workers cut down various types of trees, including citrus trees, Elkinia and Olivewood. After harvesting the trees, workers shape the wood into a pyramid that is buried beneath sand. AFP
  • A worker smokes a cigarette during his break at al-Hattab charcoal production facility. AFP
    A worker smokes a cigarette during his break at al-Hattab charcoal production facility. AFP
  • After the pyramid has been set on fire, it burns from the inside for several days. AFP
    After the pyramid has been set on fire, it burns from the inside for several days. AFP
  • During this period, workers must control the burning by regularly moistening the pyramid with water. When the fire has subsided, the sand is cleared, leaving the burned wood exposed for six days. The workers are then able to harvest and clean the raw charcoal. EPA
    During this period, workers must control the burning by regularly moistening the pyramid with water. When the fire has subsided, the sand is cleared, leaving the burned wood exposed for six days. The workers are then able to harvest and clean the raw charcoal. EPA
  • The facility produces 80 to 90 tons of charcoal annually. At the end of the production process, customers can purchase bags of charcoal directly from the factory. One kilogram is sold for US$1.50 on-site and US$2.50 in the markets. AFP
    The facility produces 80 to 90 tons of charcoal annually. At the end of the production process, customers can purchase bags of charcoal directly from the factory. One kilogram is sold for US$1.50 on-site and US$2.50 in the markets. AFP
  • A worker washes his face during his break at the charcoal production facility. AFP
    A worker washes his face during his break at the charcoal production facility. AFP
  • A dog sniffs around the timber piles at the charcoal production facility. AFP
    A dog sniffs around the timber piles at the charcoal production facility. AFP
  • Taha Al-Hattab (C), 60, and his workers take break. EPA
    Taha Al-Hattab (C), 60, and his workers take break. EPA
  • A worker extracts coals. EPA
    A worker extracts coals. EPA
  • A worker shows a handfull of charcoal. AFP
    A worker shows a handfull of charcoal. AFP
  • A worker fills bags of charcoal. AFP
    A worker fills bags of charcoal. AFP

MENA

Gaza's charcoal burners - in pictures

Workers at the Al Hattab charcoal production facility east of Gaza City face dwindling local supplies of wood and competition from cheaper, imported charcoal

The National

February 01, 2021

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MENA