How culture could help end Palestinian divisions
In light of the current economic situation in the Palestinian territories, culture and art have become luxuries.
![PALESTINIANS-GAZA/THEATRE Palestinian artists perform at al-Shawa theatre in Gaza City March 9, 2010. Live theatre is rare in the Gaza Strip; public criticism of its Islamist rulers is rare too. So perhaps it was no surprise that a play which gives vent to Palestinians' frustrations with their leaders should be a hit. Picture taken March 9, 2010. To match Reuters Life! PALESTINIANS-GAZA/THEATRE REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT POLITICS SOCIETY) - RTR2BXPY](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2017/03/RTR2BXPY.jpg/RTR2BXPY.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=kIVGXuKN)
Amid the deteriorating economic conditions plaguing the Gaza Strip, culture has become the least of society’s daily needs. Watching a play or listening to poems is no longer on the list of Gazans’ priorities at a time when unemployment increases by the day and the economy tilts on the brink of collapse.
The number of cultural activities dwindled amid an increase in the number of political and human rights seminars and conferences held by civil society and governmental organizations. Add to this the growing support for relief and emergency projects instead of activities related to art and culture.