In recent weeks, the Gaza Strip has been following the reports surrounding the Israeli move to open the Ramon Airport to Palestinians, residents of the Palestinian Territories. This issue is beginning to attract attention on the streets of Gaza, and residents are calling for the airport to be opened for the benefit of the Gaza Strip as well, and not to be content with opening it only to residents of the West Bank.
Gaza residents tell "Israel Today" that "opening the Ramon airport only to Palestinians from the West Bank is discrimination", and that "there is a real need to immediately apply the move to residents of the Gaza Strip who wish to fly abroad, just as they allow residents from Bethlehem and Hebron."
Ramon Airport (archive), photo: Yehuda Ben Yathach
"What about us? The residents of Gaza are not counted? There are many people here who are looking for options in life, and the ability to go outside is an important and essential thing. It opens up opportunities in all fields, young people who want to see the world, who want to make a change and explore options for their future outside of Gaza.
study in Europe for example, or work in the Gulf, Turkey, and other countries.
Not only studies and work, in general personally, people want to live and be in touch with the world not only through Facebook and the networks.
The siege in Gaza is suffocating.
If there is another alternative that will allow you to fly abroad comfortably, this is a turning point, a revolutionary move, no less significant than the approvals that Israel gives to thousands of Gaza residents to work in Israel," the resident of the Gaza Strip explains to Israel Hayom.
"what about us?"
Gaza residents on their way to the Erez crossing (archive), photo: AFP
Opportunities for trade and foreign relations
"If they open Ramon, there will be thousands who will want to leave. It will give a great opportunity for business, commerce, high-tech, and take the pressure off Gaza. You are constantly thinking only about security, so this can also help you with security. Leaving Rafah is hell."
The Rafah crossing is currently the only gate for the residents of the Gaza Strip to the outside of Israel.
But exiting it involves exhausting bureaucracy, limitations, and a long wait.
Those who wish to go outside the borders of the Gaza Strip within a few days, without waiting for months until their name enters the lists, will be forced to pay between 400 and 1000 dollars, "handling fees", or in other words "bribes", in addition to the expenses of the plane ticket.
Others whose hand does not reach, will have to wait patiently.
At the only gate abroad. Rafih crossing (archive), photo: AFP
The Gaza resident who returned to Gaza ten days ago from a visit to America with her son told Israel Hayom: "When I left Rafah I had to pay $600 to speed up the procedure. And that's nothing. From Rafah to the airport in Cairo there is a bus ride on uncomfortable roads and it takes hours, sometimes Even for a day or two. If they open Ramon widely to the residents of Gaza, it will greatly improve our lives. There needs to be another alternative. The Allenby road is not really an option, and the Rafah road is very difficult. When people are calm, then everything is calm, but if they are stressed, it Gliding out and making an impact."
"must be serious and orderly"
The possibility to leave the Erez crossing in the north of the Gaza Strip to the Allenby Bridge and from there to the airport in Jordan is limited to a relatively small number of residents, who receive escort and permits according to meeting certain criteria.
"I don't understand what the difference is. Just as you provide shuttles to the Allenby crossing for Gazans who want to fly, you will also provide shuttles to Ramon. But if you plan for it to be like in Allenby, with only a small number of people, then it's a waste of effort. Something serious needs to be done with large numbers and arrangements Comfortable," said another resident.
In any case, even if this measure is implemented, it is not a substitute, in the view of Hamas, for the basic requirements of the organization, including the promotion of large-scale economic projects.
In the past, he also raised with the mediators the issue of resuming the operation of the Dahania airport in the southern Gaza Strip.
The step is not a substitute for the organization's requirements.
Hamas operatives (archive), photo: Reuters
At the same time, in Ramallah they express opposition to the idea of opening Sde Ramon to Palestinians.
The Palestinian Minister of Transportation, Asem Salem, called on Palestinians living in the West Bank not to use the field and told the media that measures may be considered against those who choose to do so: "We do not need concessions but sovereignty. Israel should establish a Palestinian airport in Qalandia."
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