In war-torn Gaza, residents are turning to traditional clay pottery to cope with a severe shortage of household items like plates and bowls. With imports disrupted and widespread destruction caused by the ongoing conflict, pottery has become an essential alternative for daily needs.
Potters like Jafar Atallah, 26, have seen an unprecedented demand for their work. Operating out of a makeshift workshop in Deir al-Balah, Atallah produces around 100 pieces daily, including bowls and cups. Each item sells for 10 shekels, nearly five times its pre-war price, as shortages drive up costs.
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The war, triggered by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has led to widespread displacement and destruction. With more than 44,000 killed in Gaza according to UN-verified data, millions face dire living conditions, relying on resourceful measures like clay pottery to rebuild their lives.
For many, these clay pots are a symbol of resilience. Loraal Turk, a displaced mother, shared how she had no choice but to purchase an expensive clay pot to feed her children. “It’s all we can find now,” she said.
As Gaza’s people adapt to the devastation, traditional methods like pottery highlight their determination to survive amidst unimaginable hardships.
