Gaza gas stranded at sea

Palestinians' hopes that a gas discovery made offshore 18 years ago can be developed are unlikely to be realised soon

A number of actual or potential energy projects in the Eastern Mediterranean region are dogged by geopolitical problems. For example, differences between Cyprus and Turkey are preventing cooperation in finding a market for Cypriot gas, while tensions between Lebanon and Israel could impede exploration in Lebanese waters. Less talked about is the fate of Gaza Marine, a field discovered 36km (22 miles) off the coast of Gaza in 2000 by a consortium led by BG. At the time, there was jubilation. With estimated reserves of at least 1 trillion cubic feet of gas, it appeared to offer hope to the 1.6m Palestinians crammed into the economically-challenged Gaza Strip. The late Palestinian leader Yasser