Palestinians in the Gaza Strip welcome the month of Ramadan in the shadow of economic hardship caused by Israel's blockade and the coronavirus pandemic. More than half the population in the Gaza Strip currently lives below the poverty line.

According to United Nations (UN) data, the unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip is nearly 50 percent of its approximately 2.1 million population. The high unemployment rate in Gaza is due to Israel's blockade of land, sea and air for 15 years. 

In addition, coronavirus pandemo has also caused a worsening of the economic situation in the region. Despite all these difficulties, Palestinians still go to the market to shop for ramadan preparations.

"We ask the government to take serious steps to help us in this difficult time," Gaza resident Farooq Hashim Amar told Anadolu Agency.

"As the economic situation worsens, the Covid-19 outbreak affects various areas in Gaza. People are doing their best to make their children happy," Amar added.

Amar called on Muslim countries to provide assistance to the people of Gaza. In early March, Gaza confirmed daily cases of coronavirus of about 200 infections. According to Health Ministry data, the Palestinian territories have reported more than 81,000 infections, with 677 deaths.

The Palestinian health system has previously been in a difficult situation due to the Israeli blockade. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Palestinian health system was on the brink of collapse due to a shortage of medicines and equipment.