Muslims in the West Bank usher in Ramadan amidst economic crisis

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On Monday, August 1st, Muslims across the globe ushered in the blessed month of Ramadan with its distinctive atmosphere of festivity, unity and expectation as they went about the business of shopping alongside other preparations.

However, this year the blessed month of Ramadan coincides with a crisis for the Fayyad government in the West Bank which is currently unable to pay its staff their full salaries and benefits. This financial crisis, coupled with the wave of soaring prices, has cast a shadow over West Bankers and has meant that many of them are unable to purchase all their necessities.

These economic conditions have created an atmosphere quite different from other years in that West Bankers are unable to take part in customary shopping sprees creating a noticeable effect on the ground.

The economic reality has deepened the level of resentment in the affected population who have demanded that their salaries be paid in full to enable them to purchase necessities for their families during Ramadan. They have also demanded that traders and shopkeepers lower the prices of goods and refrain from exploiting the difficult reality being experienced by government employees.

MEMO Photographer: Ibtehal Mansour