Become a Member
Israel

Local Gaza gangs are ‘robbing displaced Palestinians’

Stolen TVs and kitchen appliances are sometimes bought back by the victims in makeshift flea markets

March 19, 2024 09:44
2095877261
People recover items from their homes following Israeli air strikes in Rafah (Photo by Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)

ByJC Reporter, JC Reporter

3 min read

Local gangs in Gaza are looting Palestinian homes while they remained displaced in other parts of the Strip, the Economist has reported.

TVs, kitchen appliances and furniture have been snatched by groups armed with sticks and light weapons.

The loot often turns up in makeshift markets, where the victims of robbery have sometimes been able to buy back their own stolen goods, including furniture, the magazine says.

Aid officials also told the Economist that criminal clans are known to have offered NGOs safe warehouses and merchants protection for their goods — for a fee. On other occasions they arrange the theft of aid, which they later sell at extortionate prices.