Gaza prays for an end to the siege this Ramadan

Palestinians in Gaza have welcomed the holy month of Ramadan surrounded by the rubble from the demolition following last year’s Israeli assault on the Strip, made worse by the eight-year long siege which has brought reconstruction efforts to a halt.

In addition to this, many government employees have not been paid since the formation of the national unity government last year.

Families are having to battle with the daily power cuts, which can last for hours at a time; these increase their suffering and limit them. Many are using this holy month to pray for a resolution to the crisis, an end to their suffering and the unjust siege imposed on them.

The markets in Gaza are decorated for Ramadan with traditional lanterns, known locally as fawanees. Sales are low this year, despite shopkeepers’ best efforts to attract buyers and provide the best products.

Images by MEMO photographer Mohammed Asad.