Business was slower than usual at gift and flower shops in Gaza on Tuesday as Valentine's Day is considered un-Islamic by many of the 2.3 million Palestinians living in the strip.
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Wasim Abdu, who owns the Safeer El-Hub (Ambassador of Love) flower shop in Gaza City, said sporadic clashes with Israel and the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria had cast a shadow over celebrations.
"The people of Gaza love life and freedom and like to celebrate all occasions, but the turnout isn't as expected or desired," he told Reuters.
Unable to ship their blooms abroad due to export restrictions, farmers said land in the strip dedicated to cultivating flowers had been slashed from 1,250 acres to just four, with thousands of workers laid off.
Although the Hamas terror organization that rules the strip does not prevent Valentine's Day commerce, some clerics have in the past roamed the streets, urging people and store owners to eschew what they deem a Western rite.
Picking up a bouquet of her favorite flowers, Nehaya Jarada said she was determined to enjoy the day nevertheless.
"I still want to celebrate Valentine's Day, despite the wars we live through and the earthquake," she said.
