Lower thirds:

00:02 Report by / Ed McCambridge
00:15 Hani Dahman / Street artist
00:44 Mohannad Al-Najjar / Gaza resident
00:56 Fatma Abou Hatab / Gaza resident
01:22 Ismail Al-Mishal / Gaza resident

Script:

"Welcome, Ramadan" - The message this Palestinian artist is sharing with his Gazan neighbours on the eve of Islam's holy period.

+++Hani Dahman, artist+++
"Here in Khan Younis, we are bringing joy to the hearts of children, women, men, and all families in this most devastated neighborhood. We are decorating this neighborhood to bring happiness."

Amid the rubble and destruction, Gaza's muslim population is making whatever meagre yet meaningful preparations it can. Even old cola cans can be repurposed as makeshift decorations.

+++Mohannad Al-Najjar, Gaza resident+++
"People were happy about the idea of lanterns and decorations. Many people encouraged me to continue and make the children happy. They started collecting cans, bringing them  to me and asking me to make the children happy."

+++Fatma Abou Hatab, Gaza resident+++
"We are still suffering from the woes of war, its repercussions and the aftermath of war that is more difficult than what we used to have. We're trying to work on new ideas, to bring some happiness."

Places of worship that once brought the community together during the holy season, such as the Great Omari Mosque, have been destroyed in the bombing. 

+++Ismail Al-Mishal, Gaza resident+++
"During Ramadan, we used to come here to perform the Taraweeh prayers. We enjoyed beautiful evenings after the prayer. We pray to God the Almighty to be able rebuild it help return it its former glory."

Resorting normality in Gaza remains a long way off, but Ramadan provides a chance to be thankful for even the smallest things. 

END