Palestinians in Gaza are on general strike, with stores and public institutions shuttering in protest of the Trump administration's conference in Bahrain, which focuses on the economic portion of the White House's plan for Mideast peace.
Gaza's militant Hamas rulers have called for mass protests across the coastal enclave on Wednesday, the second day of the gathering.
A black-and-white banner declaring a strike replaced the usually illuminated billboard over Gaza City's central Omar al-Mukhtar street.
A wall with graffiti depicts U.S. President Donald Trump with a footprint on his face in Gaza City, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are observing a general strike, with stores and public institutions shuttered in protest of the Trump administration’s conference in Bahrain, which opens the economic portion of its plan for Mideast peace. (AP PhotoKhalil Hamra)
Residents of the impoverished territory, where unemployment exceeds 50%, voiced opposition to the $50 billion Palestinian investment and infrastructure proposal, which does not deal with the Israeli occupation of the West Bank or blockade of Gaza. Physician Said Jadba says: "We don't need money. We are not hungry for bread. We are hungry for dignity."
Palestinians walk next to covered vendors stalls in Gaza City, Tuesday, June 25, 2019, during a general strike against this week's economic conference in Bahrain that will kick off the Trump administration's plan for Mideast peace. (AP PhotoKhalil Hamra)