This Ramadan, Palestinians in Gaza head to the beach to stay healthy

Thousands of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip took advantage of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan to stay healthy and do sports such as walking and running along the coast.

During Ramadan, Muslims generally observe a strict daily fast from dawn to sunset. Without food and water, those fasting mostly feel tired and may experience headaches, lethargy and laziness, particularly among smokers and people who used to drink coffee, tea and other stimulants during normal days.

"For many years, I used to spend my time at home during Ramadan to avoid any friction with other people, mainly when I feel that I need to smoke," Raed Nassar a resident from the al-Zaitoun neighbourhood in Gaza city, remarked to The New Arab.

"But I changed my routine during Ramadan since the local authorities construct the corniche and I prefer to invest in my Ramadan time, especially the latest two hours every day to practice the running sport," the 45-year-old father of three said.

"Practicing sport has changed my lifestyle," he added. "I became healthy as well as more social and form new human relationships."

Nassar is among hundreds of residents who have rushed to Gaza's corniche, the only outlet for more than 2.3 million people in the Israeli-blockaded coastal enclave, a few hours before sundown to exercise. 

Nour al-Dallo, a young woman, walks daily on the corniche near her house.

"During ordinary days, I used to be busy most of the time cooking for my kids, arranging the house as well other tasks. So, rarely I can find time to myself," the 30-year-old mother of four said to TNA.

"In Ramadan, I can find more time to practice my favourite sport: walking. I am happy because I met many of my university and schoolmates," she said, hoping to continue her routine after the Fitr Eid.

"Practicing sports makes us healthy and take care of our bodies. It helps get rid of our negative energy," Dallo further added.

Hani Salama, a resident of Beit Lahia town in the north of Gaza, walks every day in the northern part of the corniche.

"Walking is a sport that is available to all and is inexpensive. It does not require tools and equipment. It is sufficient for it to have a will, and its impact is abundant on health in terms of stimulating blood circulation, maintaining physical fitness, and improving general mood," he said to TNA.

The uptick in active movement during Ramadan has made the sea corniche a commercial destination for seasonal business owners, such as sellers of drinks, pickles, and vegetable vendors. 

Ibrahim Abu Riala, a resident of the al-Shatea refugee camp in Gaza, display various kinds of vegetables and fruits on a table to sell them to the walkers.

"Every day, I may make about $US 10 to $US 20, as most of the corniche visitors became my clients," the 19-year-old young man told TNA. "I can keep my family afloat during Ramadan."