In one town, Gazans yearn for previous Israeli presence

Mawassi residents say life was better before 2005, when they were part of an Israeli settlement enclave. Few can find work now. By Rafael D. Frankel | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor from the August 12, 2008 edition Correspondent Rafael D. Frankel visits the Gaza town of Mawassi. MAWASSI, Gaza - Three years have passed since Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, and in that time the economy of this coastal territory of 1.4 million people has gone from bad to worse. Gas and food shortages are now being compounded by cash shortages as tens of thousands of people were unable to withdraw money from banks on Monday. Still, despite their economic hardships, most Gazans insist that they prefer life here without the Israelis. But in Mawassi – a mixed ethnic Palestinian and Bedouin town that was completely isolated from... [read full story]