The people of Gaza live under tough economic conditions due to the continuous Israeli blockade and the rising rates of unemployment.
Despite the poor turnout and low purchase power of Palestinians in Gaza, markets in the Gaza Strip are packed with various goods, clothing, desserts and children’s toys.
The Palestine Square area, also known as Al-Saha, is where many Palestinians in Gaza shop for the Eid festival, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. However, the market is experiencing a crisis on different levels this year.
#Gaza markets are fully crowded with people who are preparing for the #Eid .#Palestine #EidMubarak pic.twitter.com/b0lXbaLVmv
— Palestine Social (@PalestineSocial) July 14, 2015
Abu Hassam, a clothing merchant said, “While goods are stacked at the markets, purchase power is worse than the previous years. In addition, not paying the salaries of Gaza’s employees in a systematic manner has affected us. Considering this is the best season for traders, the result is catastrophic.”
Um Hamza, who walks from one shopping center to another with her daughters, said her husband “works at the ministry of health and received 900 NIS of his salary. He had to borrow money to buy clothes for his daughters for Eid. He also had to postpone paying his debts to the grocery shop because the Eid season was the priority for him.”
Despite many people visiting Gaza’s markets, people do not feel the joy of Eid. In addition, the unexpected high prices have made many people reluctant to buy, says Um Hamza.
(PC, Alquds.com)
