Latest news with #AbuMuhammad
Days of Palestine
29-06-2025
- General
- Days of Palestine
Israeli siege turns Gaza's basics into black market gold
DaysofPal – In Gaza, where airstrikes scar the land and hope grows ever thinner, the latest crisis to grip the besieged enclave is not just war; it's hunger. And at the center of this new torment is sugar, once a basic staple, now a coveted relic of a normal life. When sugar costs more than gold In the battered neighborhood of Shuja'iyya, Abu Muhammad, a father of seven, stood outside a shuttered grocery store clutching a cup of unsweetened tea. He asked the shopkeeper, half-jokingly, if the spoon could sell sugar. 'If I had any,' the shopkeeper replied bitterly, 'I'd keep it in a steel safe.' This is no joke. According to multiple field reports, a single kilo of sugar now fetches up to 400 shekels, over USD 100, on Gaza's black market. The cause: a suffocating blockade that has choked all routes of aid and commerce. 'No sugar has entered in months,' explained a food merchant who asked to remain anonymous. 'What remains is hoarded by large traders. Prices are now set not by need, but by possession.' Kerem Shalom, Gaza's main commercial crossing, has remained largely sealed since October 7, 2023. With Israeli forces restricting entry of even the most essential food items, warehouses have emptied, and ordinary Gazans have found themselves at the mercy of an unregulated black market. Sugar, in this context, is not a luxury; it is a symbol of the collapse of Gaza's food security and a measure of how far human suffering has deepened. In a tent near Khan Yunis, Umm Anas, a widow and mother, shares her quiet longing. 'Imagine, I'm not asking for cake or meat, just a spoon of sugar to sweeten tea for my kids,' she says, voice heavy with exhaustion. That single spoon, which elsewhere would cost a fraction of a dollar, is now a luxury she can't afford, not with no income, no food rations, and no end to the blockade in sight. Aid convoys that manage to trickle through the crossings occasionally carry small amounts of sugar, but according to humanitarian groups, most of these supplies are intercepted by parallel networks and diverted to the black market rather than distributed fairly to the population. The result is a perverse economy of desperation: sugar sold by the ounce, bartered for medicine or clothing, or simply hoarded by those with power and connections. A crisis beyond calories Beyond sugar, the situation is dire across the board. Hunger has overtaken bombing as the most lethal threat in Gaza. More than 876,000 people are facing acute food insecurity, according to local assessments, with little to no access to a consistent food supply. The most heart-wrenching figures come from among Gaza's children. Of the over one million children affected by the ongoing war, around 60,000 are now in catastrophic nutritional condition. Their bodies, described by medics as 'skeletons with skin,' are silent indictments of a world that has looked away. These children, stripped of food, safety, and the faintest sense of normality, are growing up under the specter of famine and the trauma of unending war. Gaza's sugar crisis may appear trivial in the face of missiles and rubble, but it is anything but. It underscores the total collapse of humanitarian logistics and the brutal calculus of survival in a place where even sweetness has become unattainable. The price of sugar is now a measure not just of economic dysfunction but of moral failure. It reflects a world order in which blockade replaces policy, and starvation becomes a weapon. And as Gaza's people plead for basic sustenance, the global conscience remains dormant. As one Palestinian aid worker put it, 'We are not starving because there's no food in the world. We're starving because the gates are closed, and no one is opening them.' In Gaza today, the battle is no longer just about land or politics; it is about the right to live with dignity, even if only with a single spoonful of sugar. Shortlink for this post:
Express Tribune
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Qawali nights elevate wedding celebrations
In recent years, Qawali nights have become a cherished part of wedding celebrations in Pakistan. This trend, which is particularly popular among the younger generation, reflects a revival of traditional Sufi music and poetry at festive events. According to a report aired by a private news channel, "Qawali nights are no longer confined to shrines and Urs celebrations. They have become a staple in weddings, with many couples choosing live Qawali performances over traditional wedding bands." The report highlighted how this resurgence has not only breathed new life into traditional Qawali music but also created opportunities for young Qawals to showcase their talent. Renowned Qawal Abu Muhammad expressed his delight at this cultural revival, saying, "It is heartening to see the younger generation embracing traditional Qawali music. It's a profound way to connect with our cultural heritage and to spread the message of love and spirituality." Abu Muhammad also expressed pride in his family's long-standing legacy in Qawali music. "Our family has been devoted to this art form for centuries. My forefathers were Qawals, and it is an honour to carry on this tradition," he said. However, he expressed concern about the lack of formal training among some modern Qawals. "Many Qawals today have not undergone the rigorous training and apprenticeship required to master this sacred art. Preserving the authenticity and integrity of Qawali music is essential," he emphasised. He further noted that traditional training is vital to capturing the spiritual and emotional depth of the lyrics. "Qawali is not just about singing; it is about conveying a deeper spiritual connection. Without proper mentorship, one cannot do justice to this revered art," he added. Another Qawal, Muhammad Ali Qawal, applauded the growing trend of Qawali nights, saying, "These events have provided us with a new platform to perform and share our art with a wider audience. We are grateful for this opportunity and hope to continue inspiring people through our music." The popularity of Qawali nights has spread beyond major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Faisalabad, resonating across Pakistan. "It's a beautiful way to celebrate our cultural roots," said a citizen. Ali Hassan, a musician, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Qawali music is a great way to connect with our heritage. It's encouraging to see the younger generation taking an active interest in it." Fatima Ahmed, a young Qawali enthusiast, added, "I am a huge fan of Qawali music. It's amasing to see it featured in weddings. Abu Muhammad Qawal is one of my favourites." With its growing popularity, Qawali music seems poised to remain an integral part of Pakistani wedding celebrations, continuing to inspire and entertain generations to come.
Saba Yemen
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Hamas mourns martyred leader Mohammed al-Deif, group of senior leaders in Qassam Brigades
Gaza - Saba: The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas mourned to the great Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, in the occupied interior, the West Bank and Quds , in the refugee camps and diaspora, and to the masses of our Arab and Islamic nation and the free people of the world, the great leader, the heroic mujahid, the martyr of Palestine and the nation, Mohammed al-Deif (Abu Khaled), the Chief of Staff of the Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and his brothers, the great leaders, the heroic mujahid martyrs. The movement also mourned in a press statement last night Marwan Issa (Abu Al-Baraa), Deputy Chief of Staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Ghazi Abu Tama'a (Abu Musa), Commander of the Weapons and Combat Services Section, Martyr Raed Thabet (Abu Muhammad), Commander of the Human Resources Section, Martyr Rafeh Salama (Abu Muhammad), Commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade, Martyr Ahmed Al-Ghandour (Abu Anas), Commander of the Northern Brigade, and Martyr Ayman Nofal (Abu Ahmad), Commander of the Central Brigade. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
