Damaged gas cylinders become another threat to Gazans
In addition to other hardships suffered by Palestinians, damaged gas cylinder explosions are claiming the lives of citizens in Gaza who are unaware of their risks.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Palestinians in the Gaza Strip continue to fall prey to cooking gas cylinder explosions in apartment buildings, as most poor families cannot afford to replace their old gas cylinders with new ones due to their weak purchasing power. In addition, there is a lack of government control on the gas cylinders.
Ali Mehanna had his gas cylinder filled at a nearby warehouse in the al-Nasr neighborhood in Gaza City, and although his cylinder was damaged and covered with rust, the warehouse owner filled it, knowing that this poses a major risk.
Mehanna, who is very poor, told Al-Monitor, “I'm extremely worried that this cylinder might explode at any time. I don't have another option because I cannot afford to buy a new one at a cost of 220 shekels [$57].”
He explained that he works as a concierge for a residential building and makes 700 shekels per month ($180), pointing out that this is not enough to provide for the minimum basic needs of his household.
