As Ramadan knocks on the door markets start to prepare for the month of fasting decorated by colorful lanterns (Fanous) waiting for children’s hands to hold them.
This year Ramadan lanterns can be found everywhere in Gaza markets. However children’s hands are unable to reach them despite their relatively low price compared to the previous years.
This of course is not because families no longer want to buy Ramadan lanterns. The Gaza Strip is going through the worst economic situation in years resulting from a decade-long blockade which deprives its residents of their most basic rights to decent life.
It is obvious that parents will not buy Ramadan lanterns even though their hearts break for their children who will be robbed of their yearly joy.
