Bank of Palestine reopens two Gaza Strip branches, but withdrawals remain impossible
Published on November 3, 2025
Two branches of Bank of Palestine reopened this month in the Gaza Strip, one in Gaza City and another in Deir al-Balah, following the latest cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. However, the banks are only handling administrative matters: no cash is available for withdrawal.
Residents queued for hours, hoping to access their funds for the first time in two years of war-time disruption. The resumption of banking services is being seen as symbolic, a glimmer of hope amid devastation, yet the absence of cash highlights how deeply the economy remains crippled. Without physical currency or functioning ATMs, many are forced to turn to informal money-exchangers who levy heavy fees.