Gaza's charcoal burners - in pictures

Workers at the Al Hattab charcoal production facility east of Gaza City face dwindling local supplies of wood and competition from cheaper, imported charcoal

Palestinian men work at Al Hattab charcoal production facility, east of Gaza City. Workers cut down various types of trees, including citrus trees, Elkinia and Olivewood. After harvesting the trees, workers shape the wood into a pyramid that is buried beneath sand. AFP

A worker smokes a cigarette during his break at al-Hattab charcoal production facility. AFP

After the pyramid has been set on fire, it burns from the inside for several days. AFP

During this period, workers must control the burning by regularly moistening the pyramid with water. When the fire has subsided, the sand is cleared, leaving the burned wood exposed for six days. The workers are then able to harvest and clean the raw charcoal. EPA

The facility produces 80 to 90 tons of charcoal annually. At the end of the production process, customers can purchase bags of charcoal directly from the factory. One kilogram is sold for US$1.50 on-site and US$2.50 in the markets. AFP

A worker washes his face during his break at the charcoal production facility. AFP

A dog sniffs around the timber piles at the charcoal production facility. AFP

Taha Al-Hattab (C), 60, and his workers take break. EPA

A worker extracts coals. EPA

A worker shows a handfull of charcoal. AFP

A worker fills bags of charcoal. AFP

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