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Travel Restrictions Take Toll On Palestinian Relationships

Gazan filmmaker Abu Sido thought that his six-year relationship with a girl from the West Bank could work, but travel restrictions proved to be stronger.
Palestinian couples participate in a mass wedding in the West Bank city of Nablus May 12, 2011. A group of 22 couples, some disabled, participated in the wedding ceremony which was sponsored by the United Arab Emirates. REUTERS/Abed Omar Qusini (WEST BANK - Tags: SOCIETY) - RTR2MBU0

Seven years ago, Abu Sido, then 22, met the girl of his dreams online. While he lived in Gaza, his girlfriend was a Ramallah [West Bank] resident.  

He already knew that gaining access to the West Bank was hard, yet he didn't think it was impossible. "I thought it was a hardship like many others that relationships may face, but it was beyond my abilities to overcome it," Abu Sido explained, while lighting his cigarette.

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