VOICED : Young Gazan newlyweds commit to lots of debt

In Gaza, poverty and unemployment make weddings a luxury many cannot afford. Couples face financial burdens such as dowries and wedding expenses, exacerbated by the Israeli blockade. Some turn to crowdfunding, though it's rare and frowned upon. Low-cost wedding packages have emerged as an alternative. Despite these challenges, marriage trends are shifting, with many relying on humanitarian aid.

What are some of the financial challenges faced by young couples in Gaza when planning a wedding?

• High cost of wedding invitations

• Expensive catering services

• Lack of wedding venues

• High cost of dowry, jewelry, and clothing

How did Falasteen and Abdelhakim manage to fund their wedding?

• With the help of family donations

• By taking a bank loan

• Through a crowdfunding campaign

• By selling personal belongings

What is the general perception of crowdfunding for weddings in Gaza?

• It is widely accepted and encouraged

• It is supported by the government

• It is rare and often frowned upon

• It is the most common method of funding weddings

What services do wedding facilitators in Gaza offer?

• High-end luxury wedding packages

• Online wedding streaming services

• Low-cost all-inclusive wedding packages

• Destination wedding planning

What trend is observed in the marriage patterns in Gaza?

• Increase in early marriages

• Decrease in the number of weddings

• Increase in destination weddings

• Delay in marriages due to economic conditions