Artistic, musical events bring some joy to grief-stricken Gaza
Touristic establishments in the Gaza Strip are slowly regaining life with more local singers holding music events amid the ongoing Israeli siege and the difficult economic conditions.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Gaza Strip has been witnessing an uptick in artistic activities after a stagnation that lasted for years, mainly due to the Palestinian division and Hamas’ control of the coastal enclave. The Islamic movement espouses a fundamentalist ideology, which prompted many in Gaza to halt their artistic activities, such as musical evenings, in order not to raise debate or face any problems with the authorities.
Today, however, Gaza’s tourist resorts and hotels are again organizing musical events following an increase in domestic tourism activities this summer.
Gazans have been flocking to hotels, resorts and cafes that opened their doors to vacationers and included among their summer programs' evening art events.
Al-Monitor attended a musical event and a graduation party for students of the University of Palestine at Al-Deira Hotel, where young attendees and invitees were enjoying themselves dancing and singing — a great distraction for Gazans to get their mind off their daily hardships.
