Palestinians enjoy Gaza sea during hot summers in Palestine The coastal strip of the Gaza sea has become the top source of entertainment for local residents looking to escape the everyday strife in the conflict-riddled area. Described as a gift from God, families flock to the beach to escape the hot summer temperatures made worse by the continuous power outages.
Despite the spread of tourist resorts and new places for entertainment cropping up in the coastal area in the last two years, the sea remains the main attraction place for poor and middle class families – which make up 1.7 million Palestinians.
But the coast has seen a recent increase in the number of drowning incidents due to a lack of lifeguards patrolling the beach in the evenings. Revellers have been warned to stay out of the water after 8pm as a result.
But the spot is still rife with visitors who come to swim, play, fly planes and ride camels.
The smell of grilling chicken and kebab lingers in the air and children sit selling corn, tea, coffee and swimming equipment.
Palestinian resident Abu Ashraf comes with his family to enjoy the cool ocean air when there is a power outage. He said: “We come every year during the holiday to escape the hot weather and enjoy our hobbies, whether swimming, playing or grilling meat.”
Another reveller Ahmed Hassouna, said he comes to the sea with his family for some mental comfort and rest. He expressed that the Gaza Sea is the spirit of Palestinians who are deprived of most thing, adding that the low-cost trip cannot be compared with five-star tourism resorts.
But it’s not all about holidaymakers, child seller Mohamed comes to help his father earn money. Mohamed revealed that he comes after the end of exams at school to sell amber.
Many of the local traders expressed their optimism in anticipation of the summer holiday this year. They stated that the most important thing this year is the stability and security of the beach.