by Celine Joss
GAZA, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Mohammed Shurab, 64, is one of the few successful beekeepers in the besieged Gaza Strip. His honey business is the only income supporting his family of seven.
The high productivity of his beehive farm is due to his 15-year experience in this highly specific activity.
"Many farmers have tried to diversify their income with beehives but failed because modern beekeeping needs technical knowledge and special skills," said Shurab.
Indeed, the bees can be affected by a number of parasites, bacterial, fungal or viral diseases which can decimate the whole honeybee population of a certain area. Furthermore, they are sensitive to the cold, heat or moisture.
As the season of honey to start very soon, Shurab is busy with creating new space for the new insects. In addition, he has just got 180 new hives.
"After three-month negotiations with the Israeli authorities, I got all the required permits and the bees' hives were allowed to enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing," said Shurab.
As the farm is located only 400 meters from the Israeli fence, the bees can fly freely across the border to collect nectar in Israel and return with honey to the blockaded tiny territory.
Only the bees can break the siege. Shurab, like many others whose properties are situated close to Israel, can't even cultivate his lands in the military no-go area which extends along the entire northern and eastern perimeter of Gaza borders with Israel.
Israel has imposed a 300-meter buffer-zone and a total blockade on Gaza after Hamas seized the full control of the coastal enclave in 2007.
"I never have problems with the Israeli soldiers and I have never been subject to direct shootings. I am living here and I am not scared," said Shurab.
"The problem is with the armed militants. I have to prevent them from using my house as a shelter for their activities. All the natural shelters such as trees have been removed and I am sure that Israeli soldiers will demolish in case of any trouble," he added.
Despite the relative calm surrounding his fruit trees and farm, Shurab has other painful memories with Israeli soldiers.
On Jan. 16, 2009, two days before the end of the three-week Israeli offensive on Gaza last winter, Shurab and two of his sons moved, during the three-hour daily respite, from the farm to the family house in Khan Younis city. They got shot from an Israeli tank. Kassab, 28, was killed immediately as he was asked to get out of the car. His youngest son, Ibrahim, 18, was injured under the knees.
As no ambulance was allowed to reach them for more than 24 hours, Ibrahim later died in his father's arms. They were only several meters away from the hospital.
"I can never forget that day. Our life has radically changed. Since then, my wife has been suffering from respiratory troubles and my daughters are still isolating themselves as nobody can understand their sufferings. Our normal life has expired," said the heartbroken father.
Shurab now spends most of his time working on the farm alone. He tries to evacuate his sorrowful memories through the daily activities. Antidepressant pills help him to fall asleep every night.
"All family members need a big change in their life to break this daily routine and to forget. We attempted to visit one of my sons in Saudi Arabia but we were not allowed to travel. As long as the siege continues, the sufferings will stay," said Shurab.
