Deir el-Balah, Gaza – Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, with people decorating their homes, purchasing items for special Ramadan dishes, and planning gatherings with family and friends to break their fast together.
But in Deir el-Balah, while the Israeli bombardments continue and the list of civilians killed grows longer by the day, there is no sign that the festivities are upon us.
Tel Aviv Tribune spoke to two vendors at the Deir el-Balah market as they tried to spark some joy during Ramadan.
Atia Harb, 38, had placed old Ramadan decorations on her market stall and played festive tunes, doing her best to attract customers despite the difficult conditions.
Harb was displaced with his family of 11 from Sheikh Redwan in northern Gaza.
“This year’s Ramadan is totally different,” he said. “There is a constant sound of bombs and ambulances racing.”
He is unlikely to generate much interest in his products in a beleaguered enclave where severe shortages and soaring prices of basic goods leave little energy or funds for decorations.
“Today, most people are in shelters, makeshift tents and on the streets,” he says. “They lost their home, their sanctuary.”
Jabr Mushtaha, 45, was a renowned confectioner in Gaza City. He now sells his goods in the market.
“My candy store in Gaza was busy every year with Ramadan customers,” he says.
“Now it’s so different. The store was bombed, my house was bombed and I am a displaced person.
He was moved to Deir el-Balah five months ago and has since struggled to find the raw materials he needs to continue making his confections.
Sugar, which once cost 95 shekels ($26) a bag, now fetches a staggering 3,000 shekels ($831), an increase of more than 500 percent, says Mushtaha.
“With prices so high, people can hardly afford the essentials, let alone luxury,” he adds.
But Mushtaha has to work, so he and his sons make their sweets to sell and support the family of 10.
“After being in my office and in my beautiful store, now I sell on the street. The difference is enormous.
Mushtaha’s wish for Ramadan is for the war to end so they can return to their homes in the north.
“We were hoping there would be a ceasefire during Ramadan. It’s horrible that it doesn’t even stop for a minute.
