250 couples marry at once in Gaza mass wedding

A mass wedding uniting 250 couples has been held in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territory devastated by the war between Israel and the Hamas group. The ceremony took place amid the ruins of destroyed buildings and the tents of displaced people. It was organised by the United Arab Emirates' humanitarian mission, Operation Gallant Knight 3, and brought together brides and grooms from across Gaza. Organisers described the event as a celebration of love and new beginnings in the besieged enclave.

A fragile ceasefire

A ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since last October, but it is fragile. That context matters because the ceremony was held while many residents are still living in tents or among wrecked buildings.

How the war began

The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. Israel responded by launching a military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. According to the territory's health ministry, more than 74,640 people have been killed during that campaign.

What is known about the event

The source says the Palestinian brides and grooms came from different parts of Gaza and that 250 couples were married at the same time. The organiser is the Emirati humanitarian mission, called Operation Gallant Knight 3. The report does not give further details, such as the exact location, the date or the names of participants. The description of the event was accompanied by a reminder of how the war began and the losses it has caused.