Gaza’s Ramadan leaves a different taste

The besieged Gaza Strip’s people are experiencing a different taste for Ramadan from that of the other Islamic countries. This holly month makes them remember how they bitterly live with their circumstances. The electricity is cut off,fuel is scarce, no goods, no employment and many more problems that the siege imposed on Gaza Strip after Hamas took the reins of power in the strip. The main concern now for the citizen in Gaza is not a central air conditioner or to have means of entertainment or travel for tourism or even to fully lift the siege on Gaza, but his main concern is overcoming power cuts which exceeds 12 hours per day. The main concern is to have Iftar (Ramadan fast breaking meal) and Suhoor (before fast meal)  in light instead of darkness forcibly imposed on them. When I asked one of the drivers in Gaza about his wishes this month he told me that he wish to be able to have a gallon of fuel per day so he can work to earn his kids a living. The fuel which come through the tunnels between Egypt and Gaza Strip is in high demand and makes car owners stand for long hours to get fuel which arrives every two or three days. Local and international reports refer to increasing rates of unemployment, the high percentage of  poverty levels and two thirds of the population depending on aid provided by humanitarian organizations. Many families in Gaza fall under the needy and impoverished category during Ramadan as they don’t feel this holy month except through fasting only as there is no means of provide the main needs for most of Gaza’s families. A mother of five children said that this month is like any other month. poverty and destitution. she expressed how there is no work and that she is raising her children after her husband’s death. Despite all of this the people of Gaza Strip insist on living and enjoying their time this month and trying to adapt to the electricity shortage through using electric generators in order to run the necessary appliances. -- The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.