In Gaza, the simplest of weddings are barely affordable | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip – As they prepare for their upcoming wedding, Saja al-Masri, 22, and Mohammed Ahliwat, 27, face daunting challenges while living in a tent in a displacement camp in Deir el-Balah. The couple, who became engaged a year ago, is among many in Gaza forced from their homes due to ongoing conflict.
Saja and Mohammed’s tent is sparsely outfitted with two thin mattresses, a small cooking area constructed from wood and tarpaulin, and a makeshift bathroom built from scraps. Mohammed, who juggles odd jobs including selling bread and fixing bicycles, expressed the financial burdens accompanying their modest wedding plans.
Though Saja accepted a simplified dowry, costs remain high. “I bought a tent for 1,500 shekels (about $509), the wood cost around 2,500 shekels (approximately $850), and the tarpaulins exceeded 2,000 shekels (about $679),” Mohammed said. He explained that even renting a simple venue for their wedding became a financial strain, costing 1,500 shekels, while wedding halls typically start from over 8,000 shekels (about $2,717).
The couple’s situation reflects a broader trend in Gaza, where weddings are now often held in tents due to skyrocketing costs and deteriorating living conditions. The Gaza Ministry of Labour reports an unemployment rate of 80% and poverty levels soaring to 93%.
Saja, who paused her graphic design studies due to the war, faces additional stress as she searches for an affordable wedding dress. Rental prices quoted to her exceed 2,000 shekels ($679) for just one night. In response, Mohammed procured a modest dress from an acquaintance, though Saja described it as outdated and worn, leading her to tears.
“I burst into tears,” she said, recalling trying on the dress. “It was torn at the edges.” The couple’s wedding plans have been delayed multiple times, and they ultimately decided to go ahead with their ceremony despite the ongoing challenges.
Saja’s mother, Samira al-Masri, 49, expressed her own heartache over the situation. She has married off four daughters during the ongoing conflict, each time without the joy that accompanies traditional celebrations. “Each wedding felt like a tragedy to me,” she said, noting the lack of basic wedding necessities for her daughters.
Mohammed added that essential bedroom furniture now costs between 12,000 and 20,000 shekels ($4,076 and $6,793), an astronomical jump from pre-war prices. “Unbelievable prices, and there’s barely any goods in the market,” he said.
The circumstances have transformed weddings in Gaza from celebratory events into burdensome experiences. Despite their grim reality, Saja finds solace in Mohammed’s presence. “Sometimes, I feel it’s a miserable beginning… but when I see Mohammed with me, I overcome my sadness,” she said.
As the region grapples with instability, Saja and Mohammed continue to navigate their circumstances with a mix of despair and hope. “I feel things will stay the same, as is written for us,” Saja remarked, reflecting on their struggle to find joy amidst continued hardships.
