As the sun set on Tuesday in Gaza City, Izzat Al-Qawasmeh and his 11-year-old son, Mohamed, made their way through the remains of a once vibrant neighborhood. Surrounded by damaged buildings, they visited a makeshift tent city wearing Santa Claus outfits and carrying gifts.
Mohamed held a bunch of red and white balloons while Al-Qawasmeh played his saxophone, a skill that had been his livelihood for two decades and continues to be. Later that evening, he was scheduled to perform at a wedding.
Their intention was to bring joy and hope to the community with their festive gesture at the start of the New Year. The area around Al-Maqousi Towers, once bustling with life, now stood deserted with tents scattered around.
As Al-Qawasmeh played his saxophone near the tents, a group of children gathered around, including a young girl in red who received a balloon from Mohamed. Al-Qawasmeh, a father of three, emphasized the importance of children’s well-being and expressed hope for a better year ahead in Gaza.
In a different neighborhood, Al-Rimal, west of Gaza City, Mohammed Shatat, 32, shared his aspirations for the New Year despite the challenges faced by the community. The future in Gaza remains uncertain following a ceasefire, with living conditions showing limited improvement.
Since the ceasefire, the promised aid deliveries into Gaza have fallen short, with reports of casualties and injuries from Israeli strikes. The situation is further complicated by the recent ban on humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza and ongoing food insecurity.
Despite the hardships, Al-Qawasmeh remains optimistic, believing that better days are ahead. The sound of his saxophone and the sight of Mohamed with his balloons brought a moment of joy as children clapped and danced along in the fading light of the day.