Asses at a premium

Prices for working donkeys in Gaza have risen by up to 60 per cent to as much as 600 dinars since Israel closed off the enclave after Hamas's enforced takeover of the strip almost six months ago.

Donkey feed has also gone up, from five to 15 shekels ($5), a day since June.

Saber Dabour is among those who intend to sell their cars and buy a donkey instead. He intends to use a donkey and cart to sell cucumbers, onions and other vegetables door to door.

"There are no jobs here, so I am going to create my own work," he said. Pointing out that vehicle spare parts have dried up since the closure, Dabour added: "A donkey doesn't need tyres, it doesn't need spare parts, and it doesn't need petrol."

A reduction in fuel supplies from Israel into Gaza - declared a "hostile entity" by the Israeli cabinet in September in response to continued Qassam rocket fire - has quickened demand for donkeys, as has the closure of petrol stations for several days.

- Independent

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