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Gaza markets full of Ramadan treats, but who can afford them?

With the onset of Ramadan, Gaza’s merchants have plenty of goods to sell for fair prices, but face a costumer base with very little cash.
A Palestinian man sells lanterns ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Khan in the southern of Gaza Strip June 5, 2016. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa - RTSG2IG
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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Enchanting lights and all sorts of food adorn Gaza’s markets as Ramadan begins. This year’s decorations are far more alluring than those of the previous years since the 2014 Israeli war on Gaza, and merchants expect at least a slight improvement in the markets this season.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman approved changes to the Kerem Shalom crossing — the only commercial crossing for Gazans — June 3 that included extending its hours of operation. Many traders and importers Al-Monitor interviewed agreed that the quantity of goods popular during Ramadan such as dates, cheese and other products has slightly increased as a result.

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