Government allows development of gas field near Gaza

The Ministry of National Infrastructures has permitted Nobel Energy to begin developing the natural gas field called Noa North, which is located near the Gaza Strip's coast. The ministry has instructed the company to submit its drilling and development plans before the middle of July. According to ministry officials, the decision was reached in response to a natural gas shortage expected for the end of 2012.

Elements in the energy market claim that the permit was delayed so far because of the field's proximity to Gaza's territorial waters. (Tani Goldstein)