A Palestinian vendor displays traditional lanterns known in Arabic as Fanous outside his shop in Gaza City on April 19, 2020, ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Ruba Shabit
Press TV, Gaza

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are preparing for the fasting month of Ramadan. This as the Israeli blockade and the coronavirus pandemic have created serious challenges for the population.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are welcoming the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Gaza’s dire economic situation along with electricity cuts due to the Israeli blockade has made life difficult for ordinary citizens but Palestinians say these hardships will not stop them from observing their religion.

But this year Gazans have something else to worry about the coronavirus pandemic.

Like elsewhere in the world, people here have been advised against taking part in gatherings to contain the spread of the virus.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed how Gazans observe the holy fasting month of Ramadan. There will be no gatherings and ceremonies and previously busy markets are now quiet as people stay at home amid the pandemic.

As the lock-down continues, public places and mosques are closed by the authorities and the prayers are suspended as well.

Palestinians hope things will remain under control during this holy month, especially that the health-care system in Gaza cannot handle any major outbreak.

With high rates of poverty and unemployment, the coronavirus has exacerbated the already dire economic situation in Gaza. Palestinians here say they welcome the holy month of Ramadan and observe their religious duties while following the instructions to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.