Gaza Strip: The High Demand for Radios in a War-Torn Territory
In the midst of war and devastation, the people of Gaza are finding solace and connection through an unlikely source – radios. With power cuts and limited access to technology, radios have become a lifeline for the 2.4 million people living in the besieged territory.
Power cuts have always been a part of everyday life in Gaza, but the situation has worsened after Israel cut off electricity and fuel supplies. As a result, Gazans are enduring long blackouts, leaving them without the ability to plug in computers, recharge phones, or access the internet. In this dire situation, radios have become a precious link to the outside world.
Mahmud Al-Daoudi, a shop owner in Rafah, at the southern end of the territory, never expected the radio sets gathering dust in his shop to be in such high demand. He said, “We had a full stock but we’ve been completely out of them since the first week of the war.” With phone and internet cuts, radios have become the only way for people to find out what’s going on. The long battery life of radios is another advantage, making them a reliable source of information.
Before the war, a radio cost around 25 shekels ($7), but now they are selling for around 60 shekels ($16). The high demand has even led to broken radios being resold. When radios disappeared from the shelves, customers started asking for old telephones with built-in radios and torches, which have also become scarce.
The need for radios is driven by the desire to follow the news and stay informed about the ongoing conflict. Many Gazans have been displaced from their homes and are now living in makeshift camps in the south of the territory. They lack basic supplies and are desperate for news about their families and the situation around them. Hussein Abu Hashem, a shop owner, said, “People want to follow the news, hear where the shelling is taking place, and find out about the fate of their families.”
Stations such as BBC Arabic and Al Jazeera have launched special channels to help keep displaced people up to date with the news. Some Gazans, like 75-year-old Hebrew-speaker Mohammed Hassouna, manage to pick up news from Israeli radio stations, allowing them to stay informed about the situation from both sides.
However, the scarcity of radios and limited access to technology highlight the stark contrast between Gaza and the rest of the world. Salah Zorob, a resident of Gaza, expressed his frustration, saying, “The world is moving forward with modern technology, but here in Gaza, we’re moving backwards. They’re going to take us back to the Stone Age.”
The reliance on radios in Gaza is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its people. Despite the challenges they face, they are determined to stay connected and informed. Radios provide them with a sense of hope and a precious link to the outside world.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the demand for radios is unlikely to diminish. The international community must recognize the importance of providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, including essential supplies like radios, to ensure that its people can stay connected and informed during these difficult times. The power of radios in bringing comfort and information to the people of Gaza should not be underestimated.