(26 Feb 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Khan Younis, Gaza Strip – 26 February 2025
1. Various of Rehan Shurrab making Ramadan lanterns by using cardboard of empty aid boxes
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Rehan Shurrab, from Khan Younis:
"This year is different from every other year in my work. This year, I wanted to recycle the cardboard. During the war, cardboard was everywhere — people received aid boxes and threw away the cardboard. Some used it for bonfire. So I wanted to make use of it in a special way — by creating lanterns and crescents for Ramadan."
3. Various of Rehan making Ramadan lanterns
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Rehan Shurrab, from Khan Younis:
"With simple means, we can create something beautiful that brings joy to people, children. Of course, there are no factory-made lanterns available in the markets. So I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity — to recycle, work and sell my products to help cover my children’s expenses. Everything in the market is expensive. So I wanted to be strong and able to provide for my children’s needs."
5. Various of ready-made Ramadan lanterns on display
6. Various of Shurrab using empty cardboard boxes to make lanterns
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Rehan Shurrab, from Khan Younis:
"I was able to make the lanterns and display them in the market at an affordable price, accessible to everyone — especially in these difficult times, when many people can’t afford a lantern due to high prices."
8. Rehan carrying lanterns and walking down the street
9. Various of Shurrab carrying lanterns, hanging them inside store
10. Various of lanterns on display inside store
11. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Fatima Barbakh, from Khan Younis:
"We can’t buy lanterns or decorations like we do every Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of goodness. I came here to buy simple necessities, just the basics for suhoor (the meal before the fasting day), like some cheese and other things. But it’s nothing like every Ramadan."
12. Various of women inspecting lanterns before buying
STORYLINE:
As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches, some in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip are trying to bring joy to the weary population while also finding ways to make ends meet.
Rehan Shurrab, a woman from the southern city of Khan Younis, is making Ramadan lanterns, using cardboard by recycling empty cardboard aid boxes.
"People received aid boxes and threw away the cardboard. Some used it for firewood. So I wanted to make use of it in a special way — by creating lanterns and crescents for Ramadan," Shurrab said
"With simple means, we can create something beautiful that brings joy to people, children," she added.
Making lanterns is also a means to help feed her family amid dire conditions across Gaza after 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
"I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity — to recycle, work and sell my products to help cover my children’s expenses," Shurrab explained.
Last year, Palestinians in Gaza spent Ramadan amid the devastating war.
And this time, the fasting month is approaching as the fragile ceasefire deal, which has paused the war, nears the end of its first phase.
Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion.
Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures.
Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast.
Some Muslims decorate their homes, put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces or throng to markets and Ramadan bazaars.
Ramadan songs may be played to welcome the month.
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