Mass wedding in Gaza - in pictures

  • Palestinian couples participate in a mass wedding ceremony in Hamad City in Khan Younis. AP
    Palestinian couples participate in a mass wedding ceremony in Hamad City in Khan Younis. AP
  • The event was organised by the UAE as part of celebrations to mark Eid Al Etihad, the Emirates' 54th National Day. AP
    The event was organised by the UAE as part of celebrations to mark Eid Al Etihad, the Emirates' 54th National Day. AP
  • The celebration attracted a a large crowd in Khan Younis. AP
    The celebration attracted a a large crowd in Khan Younis. AP
  • The weddings were open to Palestinians who lived permanently in the Gaza Strip and were already engaged. AP
    The weddings were open to Palestinians who lived permanently in the Gaza Strip and were already engaged. AP
  • The event put smiles on the faces of Palestinians who have suffered two years of devastating conflict. AP
    The event put smiles on the faces of Palestinians who have suffered two years of devastating conflict. AP
  • A convoy of grooms travelling to Hamad City for the big day. AP
    A convoy of grooms travelling to Hamad City for the big day. AP
  • Onlookers sit on the stairwell of a war-damaged building decorated with a huge poster of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed. AFP
    Onlookers sit on the stairwell of a war-damaged building decorated with a huge poster of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed. AFP
  • The celebration represents the deep connection between the Emirati and Palestinian nations. AP
    The celebration represents the deep connection between the Emirati and Palestinian nations. AP
  • The celebration shows Gazans 'commitment to life and hope' according to the head of the UAE Mission in the Gaza Strip. AP
    The celebration shows Gazans 'commitment to life and hope' according to the head of the UAE Mission in the Gaza Strip. AP
  • This bride is beautifully dressed for the occasion. Reuters
    This bride is beautifully dressed for the occasion. Reuters
  • The celebration was a rare moment of hope for people coming to terms with years of death and devastation. AP
    The celebration was a rare moment of hope for people coming to terms with years of death and devastation. AP
  • A Palestinian woman enjoys an event that has been dubbed the 'The Dress of Joy'. AFP
    A Palestinian woman enjoys an event that has been dubbed the 'The Dress of Joy'. AFP