Watan-Displaced individuals within a camp in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, defied the relentless Israeli bombardment and blockade by celebrating a wedding after 134 days of ongoing war.
Under the title “We’ll Celebrate Even in a Tent,” displaced individuals held a wedding for two brides and grooms within the Al-Dura Stadium located west of Deir al-Balah, despite the continuing war waged by the occupying army on the besieged enclave.
The displaced individuals joined the newlyweds in their joy, preparing wedding feasts to affirm the unity and cohesion of the Palestinian people in times of joy and sorrow.
فيديو يوثق فرحة عروسين بزفافها في مركز لإيواء النازحين بمنطقة دير البلح رغم القصف والحصار والقتل المستمر لسكان قطاع غزة. pic.twitter.com/8NLPc41PYL
— يني شفق العربية (@YeniSafakArabic) February 17, 2024
“Amidst suffering” Al Jazeera Live quoted one of the participants in the celebration as saying, “Today, we wanted to break the routine of killing and destruction because it’s amidst suffering.”
The Palestinian woman added, “We want to bring joy to the people of Gaza. It’s our right to live and celebrate just like others, even if it’s in a tent, we’ll celebrate.”
She continued, “The world should come out for us and show us some mercy, and try to stop this war so people can return to living their lives.”
Another participant in the Palestinian wedding in Deir al-Balah remarked, “Today, we’re here to share with the people of Gaza despite the war and difficult circumstances, and alleviate the pain and suffering we’re experiencing.”
#رفح_تباد pic.twitter.com/i4L5pA6X2S
— وَعَجِلْتُ إِلَيْكَ رَبِّ لِتَرْضَىٰ (@lool54028) February 17, 2024
Reverse evacuation movement from Rafah Rafah witnessed a reverse evacuation movement towards the central and other parts of the Gaza Strip after intense Israeli airstrikes targeted the city, amid continued threats from the occupation to launch a wide-scale ground attack.
The International Court of Justice issued its decision on Friday evening in the urgent request submitted by South Africa regarding the situation in Rafah.
#رفح_تباد pic.twitter.com/YF1yE2TRdh
— وَعَجِلْتُ إِلَيْكَ رَبِّ لِتَرْضَىٰ (@lool54028) February 17, 2024
The international court stated that the developments in Rafah “threaten an unimaginable humanitarian nightmare and regional consequences,” and demanded that Israel adhere to its obligations under the Genocide Convention.