1 OF 12 |
Gaza is a tiny territory, densely populated with refugees. Yet the visitor is surprised at how green it is: every available patch of land is used to plant date palms, fruit trees and vegetable gardens.
Maggie Schmitt witnesses what life is like
amid Gaza's fruit trees, family farms, and fish markets.
2 OF 12 |
The port of Gaza is home to hundreds of small boats and about 50 larger ones. Each boat represents the livelihood and assets of a whole extended family which relies on fishing now that other employment is unavailable. Many were destroyed when the port was shelled in January.
Maggie Schmitt witnesses what life is like
amid Gaza's fruit trees, family farms, and fish markets.
3 OF 12 |
At the foot of the port is the fishmarket, which crowds with bidders early in the morning when the boats come into port.
Maggie Schmitt witnesses what life is like
amid Gaza's fruit trees, family farms, and fish markets.
4 OF 12 |
The haul each day is poor, and the fish tiny. Since limits were imposed on the fishing waters, the total quantity of fish brought to market has reduced - according to the market's manager - to about a tenth of what it used to be. |
Maggie Schmitt witnesses what life is like
amid Gaza's fruit trees, family farms, and fish markets.
5 OF 12 |
Vendors of kaak , a round bread baked with sesame seeds, serve the crowd at the fish market.