ALBAWABA - Israel has granted exploration licenses to six companies for gas exploration off the coast of Gaza. This decision comes despite recent attacks by "Hamas" last October, which disrupted economic progress in the region.
Independent Arabia reported the discovery of natural gas reserves near Gaza's shores in the late 1990s has presented both opportunities and challenges. While these reserves hold significant potential, they are located in an area subject to political disputes and jurisdictional complexities.
Despite the Oslo Accords designating maritime jurisdiction to the Palestinian Authority, Israel has proceeded with granting exploration licenses in the region. This decision has raised concerns over the exploitation of resources in occupied territories, as outlined in international law.
The gas reserves in question, including the Gaza Marine and Border Fields, hold substantial value and could meet the energy needs of Palestinians for decades. However, past attempts at exploration, led by British Gas and later Shell, were hindered by political disputes and Israeli intervention.
Legal experts and human rights organizations are criticizing Israel's decision to grant exploration licenses to six companies in Palestinian waters near Gaza. They argue that these licenses violate international law and Palestinian rights.
According to these experts, the licenses issued by Israel undermine Palestinian sovereignty and disregard maritime boundaries declared by the State of Palestine in 2019. They emphasize that Israel's actions amount to an illegal annexation of Palestinian maritime areas.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights and other organizations have called for the cancellation of these licenses and urged the companies involved to refrain from exploiting Palestinian natural resources.
In response, Adalah, a legal center advocating for Arab minority rights in Israel, has demanded an immediate halt to all gas exploration activities in Palestinian waters. They stress that Israel has no legal authority over these areas and that its actions violate Palestinian rights and international law.
Israeli Control Hinders Gaza Gas Field Development
The Gaza Marine gas field, located off the coast of Gaza, holds significant natural gas reserves that could benefit the Palestinian people. However, Israel's control over the area has prevented its development.
Despite the Oslo Accords designating the area as under Palestinian jurisdiction, Israel has obstructed efforts to tap into these gas reserves.
The discovery of the Gaza Marine field by the British Gas Group in 1999 initially seemed promising. A 25-year contract was signed with the Palestinian National Authority to exploit the gas. However, subsequent Israeli Prime Ministers, like Ariel Sharon, cancelled agreements, complicating the situation further.
