Thousands of Palestinians gathered in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, early this week to witness a mass wedding for 54 couples. Many curious onlookers vied for the best vantage points, some even climbing onto ruined buildings, to see the first mass wedding in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted in October 2023.
The couples lined up to enter the venue, with brides in traditional white dresses adorned with red and gold embroidery, and grooms in dark suits with deep red ties.
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Brides and grooms smiled brightly at the mass wedding in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on 2/12. *AP*
The couples exchanged vows alongside attendees carrying Palestinian flags and flags of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the event's main sponsor.
"I was engaged before the conflict began. During the fighting, all my belongings were destroyed, making it impossible to hold a wedding. But thanks to God, our brothers in the UAE supported this", said groom Omar Shams, 29 years old.
Groom Nae Mousa stated this was a significant moment for their families and the wider Gaza community.
"We are people who deserve to celebrate, but we also do not want to openly express joy because of what has happened to us", he added.
The mass wedding in Khan Younis was lively, with dancers and drummers performing on stage. People standing by the venue cheered joyfully, creating a memorable scene for the couples.
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Thousands of residents attended the mass wedding in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on 2/12. *AP*
The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas forces attacked Israel on 7/10/2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Israel's retaliatory campaign has since killed over 69,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and destroyed much of Gaza's infrastructure.
A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, effective since October, remains fragile amid mutual accusations of violations. The United Nations estimates that post-conflict cleanup and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip could cost over USD 70 billion and take decades.
Ngoc Anh (According to ABC News, Arab News, AP)
