Striking energy deals in disputed seas: the case of the Gaza Marine gas field

Abstract

In June 2023, Israel approved the development of Gaza Marine, a small offshore gas field near the Gaza Strip that has remained dormant since its discovery in 2000. The field can potentially benefit the Palestinian Authority (PA) in terms of export revenue and energy independence. However, the legal status of the field remains unclear, and the 2023 Israel–Hamas war further complicated this matter. On the one hand, although Israel has not made any legal claim to Gaza Marine, its approval to develop the field is still considered necessary by all parties involved. On the other hand, while the PA views itself as the rightful owner of the field, it has had no effective control over Gaza’s coastline or waters since 2007, weakening its claim. This article reviews the complex history and evolving legal status of the Gaza Marine gas field up until the 2023 war. It argues that there is still room for optimism regarding the future development of the field, especially when considering its similarities to the successful 2022 maritime agreement between Israel and Lebanon.