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Egypt Punishes Gaza During Ramadan

Ramadan has lost its holy meaning for thousands of Palestinians suffering due to Egypt's decision to close its border with Gaza.
Palestinian passengers wait to cross into Egypt at Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip July 10, 2013. Egypt opened its crossing with the Gaza Strip on Wednesday for several hours to allow stranded Palestinians to return to the enclave and for others to leave after five days of closure. Egyptian authorities ordered the passage closed last Friday after President Mohamed Mursi was removed and amid widescale protests in Egypt. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS) - RTX11IJT
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Thousands of Muslims in the Gaza Strip are practicing their holy month of Ramadan this year with the added strain of economic and social hardship, after Egypt shut the Rafah border crossing and the tunnels vital for the import of goods into Gaza.

Adherents usually prepare for Ramadan in advance by storing large amounts of food and drinks, an activity which has become part of the month’s traditions. But Palestinians in Gaza have experienced a lack of food items, fuel and raw materials due to the surprising and abrupt decision by Egypt to shut the tunnels earlier this month following the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi. 

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