Weddings have become rare in Gaza during the war. But on Tuesday, Eman Hassan Lawwa walked hand in hand with Hikmat Lawwa past destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis. She dressed in traditional Palestinian patterns, he in a suit – just like dozens of other brides and grooms there.
Despite everything that has happened, we will start a new life, says Hikmat Lawwa.
Crowds waved Palestinian flags, but the celebrations were much more subdued than usual. Most of the two million residents have been displaced during the war, entire neighborhoods have been razed to the ground, and shortages of supplies remain severe.
Eman Hassan Lawwa and Hikmat Lawwa have fled the city of Dayr al-Balah during the war and have struggled to find basic things like food and shelter.
"We want to be happy like the rest of the world. I used to dream of having a home, a job and being like everyone else," says Hikmat Lawwa.
Today my dream is to find a tent to live in.
Eman Hassan Lawwa says the wedding brought a moment of relief from all the suffering, but adds that it was also marked by the loss of her parents and other relatives who were killed during the war.
It's difficult to experience joy after such sadness, she says.
The giant wedding was financed by the aid organization al-Fares al-Shahim, which is supported by the United Arab Emirates.
