Future uncertain, Gazans rush to enjoy life after ruinous war

After a ruinous war, Gaza is rushing back to a veneer of normalcy at astonishing speed. Street cafes and beaches are packed with people until late at night. Families crowd the few public parks. Wedding halls are booked solid. Gazans who endured 50 days of devastating Israeli bombardment are now eager to enjoy some life. Far from a celebration, however, Gazans themselves acknowledge the revelry is only to thinly mask trauma and widespread despair. Many complain that none of the gains they hoped for from the war have been realized. Almost none express any optimism for change in the misery.

We go out just to steal a moment of joy. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, we might have another war.

Rami Ali, a 33-year-old bank employee

The Hamas government appears to have been caught off guard. Last week, authorities banned street parties, saying it was acting out of respect for the families of the dead. That put an end to bachelor celebrations traditionally held in the streets ahead of weddings — but not other forms of nightlife. The war was the longest and deadliest of three Hamas-Israel wars in less than six years. More than 2,000 Palestinians, including 500 children, were killed, 11,000 wounded and close to 100,000 made homeless, out of a population of 1.8 million.

There may not be a single Palestinian in Gaza who thinks the future will be brighter.

Mahmoud Daher, director of the U.N. World Health Organization’s office in Gaza

Middle East Gaza Israel