In the war-torn Gaza Strip, a young couple, Afnan Jibril and Mustafa Shamlakh, celebrated their wedding in an abandoned school building in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Despite the ongoing conflict and bombardments, the couple was surrounded by joyous family and friends.
“We are a people that love life, despite death, murders, and destruction,” expressed Mohamed Jibril, Afnan’s father. The usual wedding preparations were hindered by the war, with scarce and expensive clothing being a significant challenge. Afnan, 17, adorned in a white dress with red embroidery and a floral crown, and Mustafa, 26, seized the rare opportunity to celebrate their union.
The Israeli military campaign, a response to attacks by Palestinian militants, has led to significant casualties and displacement. The war, which started with an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, has resulted in over 23,000 deaths in Gaza and about 1,140 in Israel. The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced out of Gaza’s 2.4 million population.
The groom’s intended residence was destroyed in the conflict, pushing both families to proceed with the wedding. Following the school ceremony, the couple headed to a tent for further celebrations, their departure in a black SUV resembling a typical wedding scene.
“We are all living through the same tragedy. However, we must continue to live, and life should go on,” stated Ayman Shamlakh, the groom’s uncle.
