Inspired by the old Gaza mall photos, I have featured on this blog various scenes from Gaza, with the aim of providing readers with a glimpse into the real Gaza, which is anything but a concentration camp as some claim.
My point is not that there is no hardship in Gaza, but rather that the situation is a far cry from what is being presented by the palestinians, their supporters and the mainstream media.
In case you missed it: While the haters still whine that Israel has made Gaza into a “concentration camp” and “open-air prison”, a new mall opened there a few days ago.
Bonus: Covid-19 is still taking its toll in Gaza, and the mainstream media is trying to blame Israel for not providing Gaza with vaccines (as if we should)
New Year’s drinking game: take a shot every time you spot a Covid-19 prevention guidance violation.
This report from a palestinian news agency on the mall opening still tries to blame Israel for everything, while mentioning Covid-19
The Palestinian Matador Company, today, Wednesday, opened the “Mall of Arabia”, the largest and first commercial center of its kind in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.
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The mall was built on an area of 4,500 square meters, and consists of two floors, and contains a section for foodstuffs, clothes, and accessories for all groups, a section for children’s games, and another section that includes 5 local restaurants, a bakery, and a car garage.
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Abed explained that the project’s capital amounts to three million dollars, employs more than 120 workers at its full capacity, and takes into account all international standards and standards for shopping centers.
Abed indicated that the prices are within the reach of residents of the besieged sector, especially citizens of the southern governorates.
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Hayek saluted the businessmen who risk investing with their money and opening new economic projects despite the conditions of the Israeli blockade and the bad economic conditions resulting from the outbreak of the Coronavirus, describing them as “fedayeen.”
Hayek said that the opening also comes in light of the forced closure of many businesses due to the poor economic conditions and the pandemic.
He added that the Mall of Arabia represents the 2020 prize for Rafah, as it meets the needs of a large segment of the population and alleviates the crises of poverty and unemployment.
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Abu Ras told Al-Eqtisadiah that businessmen prove through the opening of the Mall of Arabia that our people are able to withstand and advance the economy despite the conditions of siege and occupation.
Abu Ras confirmed that during the year 2021 the city will witness the launch of many developmental and service projects for citizens.
In addition, the mayor of Rafah, Anwar al-Shaer, denounced the necessity to lift the economic siege on the residents of the Gaza Strip, to allow for the establishment of development projects capable of advancing the national economy.
More here.
