STORY: Palestinians in Gaza welcome Ramadan under shadow of bloodshed
SHOOTING TIME: March 10, 2024
DATELINE: March 12, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:39
LOCATION: GAZA, Palestine
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of street views in Rafah
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ABU MOHAMMED AL-AWAD, Palestinian in Rafah
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMMED AL-ARABY, Palestinian vendor in Rafah
4. various of children in Rafah

STORYLINE:

Ramadan started on Monday for Palestinians this year. Due to the raging Israel-Hamas conflict and bloodshed, people in Gaza have found it difficult to celebrate the Muslim holy month in the face of lack of money, basic necessities and a peaceful life. 

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ABU MOHAMMED AL-AWAD, Palestinian in Rafah
"Our preparations are very simple as there are no food supplies available. We suffer from the high cost of food, and the situation is very difficult. Despite what happened, we can compensate for what was lost and rebuild what was destroyed. We want to live for the children who are still in school."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMMED AL-ARABY, Palestinian vendor in Rafah 
"Life is very difficult but thank God. I used to sell nuts in Gaza City, but today selling everything is better than being jobless."

Israel has waged a large-scale military campaign in Gaza since Oct. 7 last year, right after Gaza-ruling Hamas carried out a surprise military attack on the Israeli towns adjacent to the strip, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing more than 200 others.

So far, 31,045 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and 72,654 others injured, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Gaza, Palestine.
(XHTV)