Despite the Israeli siege, poverty and unemployment, cultural centers are emerging in the Gaza Strip. Inside El-Khodr Shrine, an ancient monastery in Deir al-Balah that dates back to the third century, a group of young writers and poets have started meeting regularly to discuss art, literature and other aspects of culture, providing a break from the everyday woes in the Gaza Strip.

Writer Nabil al-Areeny founded the Toukan Literary Salon in May 2017, specifically choosing Deir al-Balah, a small, impoverished city in central Gaza with few job opportunities, a handful of recreational centers and a large refugee camp.

“The Toukan Literary Salon aims to help young people develop themselves and express their creativity,” Areeny told Al-Monitor. Members of the salon are young writers who wish to develop their skills and search for opportunities to publish their works. Local publishing houses such as the Samir Mansour Library for Publishing and Distribution participate.

Areeny believes that the complicated political situation in Gaza has a negative impact on the cultural scene. According to him, the political and economic situation and Palestinians' focus on making a living prevent both the government and individuals from placing culture high on their list of priorities. Despite the hardships Palestinians in Gaza face, Areeny has established cultural salons in the Gaza Strip, Ramallah and the 1948 territories such as the city of Umm al-Fahm.