Gaza may turn into fertile soil for organized crime, Left wing group warns

A left-wing group warned Wednesday that the Gaza Strip might develop into fertile soil for organized crime and lawlessness if the economic and social crisis persists in the enclave.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), in an emailed statement, highlighted Gaza residents' plight due to the ongoing eight-year Israeli blockade and a delay in reconstruction.

Tens of thousands of homes, infrastructure and industrial establishments were destroyed or badly damaged during last summer's Israeli air and ground military offensive on the impoverished coastal enclave.

The PFLP said rising poverty and unemployment rates "stir feelings of frustration and rage throughout the population amid political decisions of certain groups to sever the enclave."

The group called on Palestinian factions and political powers to immediately convene and discuss at length the consequences of the situation.

"It is of utmost priority to find solutions to the negative consequences due to the horrible inhumane situation in the Gaza Strip, which threatens the security of the Gaza society," said the PFLP.

Observers and specialists warned earlier that the situation in the Gaza Strip might explode at any moment and that the consequences would be countless due to deteriorating living conditions and the economic chokehold.

According to official figures, the unemployment rate in the enclave, with a population of 1.8 million, has risen to 65 percent, and the poverty rate, 60 percent. Endit