Solar power becomes lifeline for displaced families in Gaza

Rafah (Quds News Network) – In the midst of Israel’s unrelenting war of genocide on Gaza, accompanied by prolonged power outages, solar panels have become the primary source of light, phone charging, and electricity for displaced individuals and families.
Rows of tents in the crowded refugee camps of Rafah, located in the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip, are now adorned with dark-colored solar panels. These panels line the streets and rooftops, offering a glimmer of hope to those seeking to charge their phones, radios, and other essential devices.
In the bordering city near Egypt, the demand for alternative energy has surged dramatically since the outbreak of the war. Mawasi Rafah, one of Gaza’s largest displacement areas, hosts nearly a million Palestinian refugees living in extremely challenging conditions, according to local authorities and the United Nations.
Illuminating the plight of displacement
After arriving in Rafah from the Jabalia refugee camp in the north of the Strip, Tareq Masoud’s family of nine decided to invest in four solar panels and complementary energy tools. Their tent, the only refuge they could find, became a symbol of resilience against the encroaching darkness.
Masoud, 33, shared, “After the wave of displacement, we decided not to succumb to the darkness. We purchased four solar panels for $4,000 and installed them above our tent. These panels illuminated our lives in these challenging circumstances, bringing a renewed sense of hope.”
These solar panels not only brightened Masoud’s family life but also enabled him to resume his work crafting and selling wooden panels, meeting the heightened demand for heating and erecting more tents for displaced families.
His mother, seated in front of their tent, mentioned that Tareq supports his sick father, a brother with special needs, and a family of five.
A symbol of life
Solar panels have become a ray of hope and a symbol of life for Gaza’s residents facing a crippling electricity crisis for the past four months. Israel’s prohibition on delivering power to the Strip exacerbated the situation.
Before the war, Gazans received only six hours of electricity daily, relying on fuel-powered generators for the rest of the day at high costs.
Another solution embraced by some residents is installing solar panels on their rooftops as an alternative to provide electrical power, especially considering the electricity crisis dating back to 2006.
Ibrahim al-Zaini, a resident of Rafah, charges essential appliances using the solar panels he purchased before the war. Standing next to the makeshift transformer he prepared for his neighbors, he said, “Before the war, I bought eight panels and four 800-ampere batteries. Thanks to them, I’m not suffering from the electricity crisis.”
Life without illumination
Since the ongoing war began on October 7th, the prices of solar panels and supplementary energy tools have multiplied by five. Mohammed Shandagli, a displaced resident of Gaza City now living in Rafah, spent $800 to purchase a single solar panel and tools to light up his tent and those of his extended family.
Shandagli, 28, standing in front of his tent, stated that life without illumination is impossible inside a small tent filled with people of all ages. The nights are harsh, even with the crowd.
With this single solar panel, Mohammed manages to charge 20 mobile phones daily to stay in touch with his remaining family in northern Gaza. He emphasized that a single call sometimes takes an hour of failed attempts due to the collapsing communication network.
Ahmed Mraheil, another displaced resident from Gaza City in Rafah, mentions that the absence of sunlight for long hours during the winter deprives his family of electricity. The solar panels produce only a minimal amount of energy.
Mraheil, 40, explained, “Before the war, I bought a solar panel, but I couldn’t afford the additional energy tools due to their high prices. Therefore, electricity is only available during the daytime until the sun sets.”
Despite the challenges, this man, who arrived in Rafah with his family three months ago, shared, “During sunlight hours, I charge my and my family’s phones. Then, for those interested, for one shekel, I charge their mobile phones, and for five shekels, I charge their batteries. This way, I can save some money to meet the minimal needs of my children amidst the hardship of displacement.”
Top of Form