Gaza Visit, August 2023
During the week of the 7th to the 12th of August, Oliver and Jordan held a number of meetings and roundtable discussions with cross-party political and religious leaders, as well as members of the business community, university professors, young journalists, and UN officials in Gaza. The visit provided a great opportunity to assess the current social and political challenges and to have in-depth discussions on ways to address them. Whilst impressed by the efforts to develop the infrastructure, they were acutely aware of the fact that 1.4 million people remain dependent on food aid provided by UNRWA. Unemployment is high, especially among young people. It is currently estimated that 70% of young people are without any prospect of meaningful employment.
Despite these circumstances, there is a remarkable spirit of resilience and determination to embrace life each day with a sense of hope. At this time of year, the beach, day and night, becomes the central social feature of Gazan life. Nonetheless, there is an urgent need to address the economic crisis and subsequent unemployment with its social consequences. UNRWA is in dire need of funding to provide the basic requirements of daily life for so many families. With the current war in Ukraine and various conflict elsewhere in the Middle East and parts of Africa, it would be all too easy to overlook the humanitarian, political, and social needs of the people of Gaza.
A discussion with young journalists on the current humanitarian and political situation and the challenges of communicating their message to a global audience.
Roundtable discussion in Alshawa Husari Tower to discuss Daud Abdullah’s book ‘Engaging the World: The Making of Hamas's Foreign Policy’.
Roundtable with the Association of University Professors of Palestine examining the obstacles preventing a solution to the conflict.
A discussion with the Deputy Minister of Detainees’ Affairs and his team on their humanitarian concerns regarding detainees.
Jordan in discussion with a prominent Salafi scholar.
Evening meeting with a cross-factional leadership in Khan Younis to discuss the current Palestinian political divisions and the obstacles to reconciliation and progress towards a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Visit to the newly-opened Khota Academy in central Gaza.
Jerusalem meeting:
A meeting with Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Founder of PASSIA in Jerusalem.