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In Gaza, You Do What You Have To Do

Only Diesel is allowed as a type of fuel, which leaves private cars stopped.

Living in Gaza is that art of dealing with alternatives and Gazans are mastering this art to the point that coping mechanisms become pathetic

By Citizen Correspondent Heba Z , Gaza

Date Posted: 03/24/08

Reader Rating:

Switching from Benzene to natural gas: I would just like to make it clear here that discussing such a problem in front of any Gazan citizen, as a problem, will make him/her laugh because it is the least of anybody’s worries - and also because safety had become a luxury. We are at Maslow’s first stage of the hierarchy of needs (food and shelter), remember? So my friends, you are all blessed that you can just drive to gas stations...it is dignifying believe me!

You know after parking the car for 21 days, we finally followed the flock in converting its system to natural gas! Yes, natural gas.

They have this system in Gaza now that enables cars to change from Benzene to natural gas. Only Diesel is allowed as a type of fuel, which is generally used for taxis, buses and public transportation, and this leaves private cars, like ours, stopped. Benzene was not permitted into Gaza with enough quantities since more than a month now. The quantities that get in, are hardly sufficient for ambulances!

After, I don’t know how many arguments with my husband, who just misses using the car, I said, “You know what, do as you please." So like the majority of Gaza private cars, our relatively new car is moving on natural gas and has a gas cylinder inside!

Is it safe? Maybe not. Is it environmentally friendly? I have no clue. Is it throat soring and chest paining? Absolutely.

I will repeat a sentence that I wrote before: ”Living in Gaza is that art of dealing with alternatives and Gazans are mastering this art to the point that coping mechanisms become pathetic."

Am I afraid that somebody should hit the car from behind whilst driving with the kids…of course I am.

Originally published at http://contemplating-from-gaza.blogspot.com/