The idea of ladies-only pools was not always welcomed in the past amid the conservative society in the Gaza Strip. But more and more of these pools are opening along the Gaza beach as women find a haven there to relax, especially in light of the power crisis and frequent electricity cuts during the summer. 

“I wait for summer every year to be able to go to the pool at Al-Nawras Tourist Resort in the Gaza Strip. I feel I can swim away all my distress there, and I really love the place. We get to have some privacy, as it is [a private establishment] and safe, and the entrance fees are very affordable. I only pay $4 and get to have the kids in too,” said Khouloud Abu Nahl.

Abu Nahl, a Gazan woman who goes to Al-Nawras pool weekly with her children and friends, added, “I frequently visit the swimming pool at Al-Nawras. … Booking a chalet [at other resorts] costs at least $150, and this is a lot in light of the bad economic situation plaguing Gaza. The ladies-only swimming pool [at the resort], where we and the kids enjoy ourselves all day, barely cost us anything."

For Gazans, the beach is the only respite they have amid deteriorating economic conditions. However, the Water and Environmental Quality Authority in Gaza issued a statement in June saying beach pollution rates hit alarming levels due to power outages and wastewater leakage into the sea, thus prompting people to look for cheap alternatives.