Early afternoon was a busy time within the al-Baqa cafe, on the waterfront in Gaza Metropolis. Underneath the picket slatted roof, seated at plastic chairs and tables, had been dozens of Palestinians looking for respite from the relentless 20-month struggle that has devastated a lot of the bustling, vibrant city.
On one aspect was the Mediterranean, blue and calm to the horizon. On the opposite, battered residence blocks, wrecked lodges and the close-packed tents of displaced households.
Based nearly 40 years in the past, the family-run al-Baqa was for a lot of in Gaza Metropolis a reminder of higher, extra peaceable occasions. It had lengthy been a spot to flee the claustrophobic strictures of life within the crowded territory, to speak freely, snicker and dream.
Amongst these sipping espresso, tea and comfortable drinks within the cafe was a younger artist – Amna al-Salmi – and her pal Ismail Abu Hatab, a 32-year-old photographer and film-maker. Others included one other journalist and no less than one household with younger kids, together with a four-year-old baby, and a mom and her two daughters.
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