Eid al-Fitr Preparations in Gaza: A Blend of Tradition and Hardship
In northern Gaza, 60-year-old Samira Touman and her family are diligently preparing traditional kaak and maamoul cookies for Eid al-Fitr, marking the first Eid since the October ceasefire. The preparations, involving Samira, her daughters, and daughter-in-law, are a poignant return to tradition amidst ongoing challenges.
The family utilizes a wood-fired oven due to the persistent lack of cooking gas, which they identify as a challenging aspect of the process. Samira stated that current Eid celebrations are not as extensive as those prior to the conflict.
The cookies are prepared for both the family's consumption and for customer orders, generating additional income before Eid al-Fitr. Samira noted good demand despite the high cost of ingredients.
Economic Strain and Lost Livelihoods
Ingredient prices, including flour, semolina, date paste, ghee, and sugar, increased significantly following border crossing closures in late February. These closures occurred after events involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Although crossings have partially reopened, prices remain high.
Samira commented that circumstances frequently affect celebratory periods.
Before the conflict, Samira operated a home-based business via social media, with two equipped kitchens. She stated that these resources were lost, requiring the family to restart production manually and with more expensive raw materials.
Enduring Hardship and Uncertain Returns
Residents in the Palestinian territory have experienced difficult living conditions since October 2023, including displacement, lack of basic goods, and high prices. Recent border closures further exacerbated shortages and price increases. The instability of goods flow is attributed to Israel's control of Gaza's crossings.
Families face decisions regarding spending on traditions versus daily household budgets amidst declining purchasing power and rising poverty.
Samira's family returned to northern Gaza a month prior, after displacement in Khan Younis. She described returning to a partially damaged home lacking essential infrastructure. Her reluctance to return was influenced by concerns about Israel's adherence to October ceasefire commitments, which included humanitarian aid entry and a cessation of attacks. She noted continued violations and unstable goods flow despite a reduction in bombardment intensity.
A Glimmer of Hope for Gaza
Samira expressed hope for improved conditions, reduced prices, and the entry of raw materials and construction supplies into Gaza.