Gazans produce diesel from 'plastic waste' amid severe fuel shortage

In a bid to cope with a severe fuel shortage, Palestinians in Gaza have transformed plastic rubbish into energy by burning it in makeshift furnaces to produce diesel.

The innovative yet hazardous method involves collecting plastic waste, cutting it into small pieces, and melting it in a furnace to extract diesel.

"We started collecting items in an attempt to manufacture fuel because the entire Gaza Strip has been denied of fuel. Plastic is cut small pieces and placed into the cylinder put on fire. Once plastic melts vapor will flow through the pipe onto the water cooling condenser. The colling water runs through its end to ensure maximum cooling," a man explained the process while talking to Al Jazeera.

The fuel shortage, exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on petroleum products and the occupation of the Egypt-Gaza border, has left Gazans with no other option.

According to the publication, local residents are forced to burn plastic and garbage to meet their daily needs.

However, environmental experts and health professionals warn that this process poses significant risks to both the environment and human health.

Despite these concerns, the people of Gaza feel they have no alternative due to the dire circumstances.

Israel's war on Gaza has resulted in devastating losses, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed, including 16,456 children and 11,000 women.

The United Nations reported that two-thirds of buildings across the Gaza Strip have been "damaged or destroyed." Israeli attacks have also killed at least 270 aid workers.

The restrictions on food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies have exacerbated the crisis.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) directed Israel to ensure basic services and humanitarian aid delivery in the besieged enclave.

Earlier, the Palestinian government's information office reported that almost 1.7 million Gazans had been displaced due to relentless air and artillery strikes by the Israeli military.