Sunset cast a warm glow over the northern part of Gaza City on Tuesday evening as Izzat Al-Qawasmeh and his 11-year-old son Mohamed navigated through the debris to reach the top of a building that was once home to hundreds of people. Encircled by other destroyed structures, a field of white tents where residents now reside lay below them.
Choosing to spread joy, the father and son donned Santa Claus outfits and brought gifts to the tent city. Mohamed carried a bunch of red and white balloons while Al-Qawasmeh played soulful tunes on his saxophone, a skill he had honed over two decades prior to the conflict and continues to pursue today. Later that evening, he planned to perform at a wedding.
“We aimed to bring happiness and hope to people as the New Year begins,” Al-Qawasmeh expressed.
The vicinity surrounding Al-Maqousi Towers in northern Gaza City was once a lively neighborhood teeming with life. However, on that Tuesday evening, it was eerily quiet as the sound of Al-Qawasmeh’s saxophone reverberated through the deserted streets.
As the music filled the air near some tents with a backdrop of rubble, a group of children gathered around. A young girl dressed in red emerged from a tent, accompanied by her smiling mother. Mohamed handed her a red balloon, which she joyfully waved at the small audience.
“Our children’s well-being is paramount to us,” emphasized Al-Qawasmeh, who is a father of three.
Expressing their aspirations for the New Year in the Al-Rimal neighborhood west of Gaza City, other Palestinians shared their sentiments. “Despite enduring hardships, we remain resilient and hopeful for a better future,” remarked 32-year-old Mohammed Shatat.
Since a ceasefire mediated by the United States took effect on October 10, uncertainty looms over the prospects of a peace settlement in Gaza. Despite assurances from Israel to permit 600 aid trucks daily into the territory, data from the United Nations revealed that only around 113 trucks entered in October and November.
Tragically, over 300 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire commenced, with 900 others sustaining injuries. Israel attributed these strikes to actions by Hamas.
In recent developments, Israel announced the suspension of over two dozen humanitarian organizations from operating in Gaza for non-compliance with new registration regulations. Additionally, a prominent global food crisis authority warned that although a full-fledged famine had been averted, starvation continues to threaten people in Gaza.
As the region grapples with challenges, Al-Qawasmeh remains optimistic about the future. “Though the road ahead seems unclear, I believe that better days are on the horizon,” he affirmed.
Playing his saxophone and accompanied by Mohamed holding balloons, the duo led a group of children in clapping and dancing under the setting sun, fostering a moment of joy amidst the adversity.