Sara Roy, The Gaza Strip. The Political Economy of De-Development

What does Sara Roy mean by “de-development”

It’s not just underdevelopment — it’s the deliberate dismantling of Gaza’s ability to build a stable economy or political infrastructure. Israel blocked growth, not to profit, but to weaken and remove Palestinians.

What are the 3 pillars of Israel’s control over Gaza’s economy?

• Expropriation & Dispossession – Taking land, water, housing.

• Externalization & Integration – Making Gaza serve Israeli economy.

• Deinstitutionalization – Destroying Palestinian institutions so they can’t plan, grow, or resist.

What did Israel take from Palestinians in Gaza?

Land (60% confiscated), water (rationed + permits denied), homes (destroyed). Palestinians had no way to build or invest. “Without land and water, no community can be sovereign.”

Why is water a big deal in Gaza?

Israel made water a state-owned commodity, cut Palestinians off, imposed quotas, and banned digging wells. Bad sewage systems made it worse. Water became a weapon.

What did dispossession lead to?

It decapitated Gaza’s ability to grow. The loss of land, water, and housing shattered the foundations of community and economy.

How did Israel tie Gaza’s economy to its own?

Palestinians worked in Israel (cheap labor) but couldn’t build anything at home. Gaza exported goods to Israel only, at low prices. Israel profited — Gaza got stuck in dependency.

How did Israel control Gaza’s labor?

By absorbing 70K+ workers but refusing them rights or investment in Gaza. Gaza became an economic appendage of Israel — a labor source, not a partner.

What is “externalization”?

Redirecting Gaza’s economy outward (toward Israel), making it impossible for Gaza to grow inward or independently.

What institutions were undermined in Gaza?

Local government, education, banks, trade organizations, unions. Even 3-person meetings needed Israeli approval.

Why was education targeted?

It could grow leadership. So Israel restricted books, classes, teacher hiring. Schools were overcrowded and underfunded. 40% dropout rate.

What about mayors and councils?

Israel appointed mayors, stripped local control. Gaza’s infrastructure collapsed — sewage in streets, crumbling roads.

What was the “Pacification” policy?

Eliminate resistance and shrink the population. Expelled 70,000+ Gazans.

What was “Normalization”?

Make life feel sort of okay so people don’t revolt — but only on Israel’s terms.

What was “Non-Presence”?

Rule Gaza invisibly — give Palestinians local roles, but make all real decisions behind the scenes.

What was the “Open Bridges Policy”?

Allowed Gazans to trade with Arab countries. Sounds freeing, but really just kept Jewish and Arab economies separate and protected Israel’s market.

Why didn’t Israel want to help Gaza’s economy?

Israel didn’t fear Palestinian wealth. It feared Palestinians using wealth to build a state. So it blocked that possibility.

What does Roy say was the end goal?

Not to exploit, but to dispossess. Gaza was meant to be unlivable, unbuildable — controlled, not developed.