Gazans' inability to buy gifts affects social relationships
Gazans are facing harsh living conditions with little money to spend, which is increasingly affecting social relationships in a society where buying gifts for family and friends when visiting their homes is part of the culture.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Gaza Strip’s financial crises, along with the continuing economic deterioration, cast a shadow on the most basic aspects of Gazans’ social life. Residents are hesitant these days to visit their family, friends and neighbors.
Traditionally, those visiting the homes of others buy a gift for the host. However, due to the harsh living conditions and the lack of purchasing power, Gazans' social lives are starting to be affected, with family ties being severed and people isolating themselves to avoid embarrassment caused by poverty.
The poverty rate in Gaza stood at 65% as of the fourth quarter of 2014, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
Mouin Rajab, economics professor at Al-Azhar University, believes the economic crisis in the Gaza Strip is directly and negatively impacting social relationships among Gazans. They are focused on securing their basic needs, such as food and housing, and therefore often must neglect maintaining strong social relationships.
