The Border industrial complex: Gaza's untold profit
THE ACTORS: Who gains from Gaza's 'humanitarian' gates? The Al-Monitor report, sourced from Reuters, focuses on the women's harrowing experiences at the Rafah crossing. However, it's crucial to identify the entities profiting from this control. Beyond Israeli forces, the report mentions an 'allied Palestinian militia group' in the 'yellow line' zone. This vague phrasing obscures a significant
actor: the Egyptian intelligence-linked company, Organizing for Services Commercial and Projects SARL , commonly known as 'Halan,' or 'Hussam' in some reports. This company, which began operating in 2022, effectively controls who enters and exits Rafah, charging exorbitant fees—up to $5,000 per adult and $2,500 per child for 'coordination' (Al-Jazeera, 2023). THE FUNDING: Monetizing misery at the
border While the Red Cross and other international organizations provide some humanitarian aid, the physical act of passage for individuals has become a for-profit enterprise. The fees charged by Halan are not transparently allocated. This model mirrors other conflict zones where borders become economic zones, bypassing official diplomatic channels and creating a grey market of movement. The
confiscation of gifts, as described by one woman, further illustrates the systemic extraction of resources, irrespective of official customs declarations. This isn't random; it's a feature of a system that views every interaction with the population as a potential revenue stream or intelligence opportunity. THE INCENTIVES: Why maintain control and restrict movement? For Israel, the incentive is