Gaza city: In a modest workshop beneath his home in eastern Gaza City, Palestinian craftsman Hussein Mahmoud al-Sawwaf is reviving a 300-year-old family tradition of rug-making amidst the devastation left by the Israeli war on Gaza. Al-Sawwaf turns a wooden wheel by hand, weaving strands of wool and acrylic on a simple loom, a skill passed down through generations of his family.

According to Anadolu Agency, al-Sawwaf's once-thriving factory, which employed numerous workers, was reduced to rubble during the conflict. With electricity and modern machinery unavailable, al-Sawwaf relies on basic tools and salvaged yarn to continue his craft. His home in the Tuffah neighborhood, near the 'Yellow Line' where Israeli forces are stationed, has become his new workshop, offering a lifeline to his community by providing affordable handmade rugs.

The demand for these products has surged as many Palestinians, displaced by the destruction of their homes, seek cost-effective solutions for their living spaces. Al-Sawwaf's revival of his family's craft not only preserves a centuries-old tradition but also offers employment to former factory workers who lost their livelihoods due to the war.

Back in operation, al-Sawwaf's makeshift workshop is a testament to resilience and ingenuity. He designed a manual wheel, reminiscent of the era before electricity, to overcome Gaza's prolonged power shortages. This adaptation allows him and his team to produce rugs without reliance on electricity or modern equipment.

The war's impact on Gaza's economy is profound, with factories and businesses destroyed, leaving many without jobs. Israeli restrictions on imports have exacerbated shortages, inflating prices and reducing access to essential goods. In this challenging environment, al-Sawwaf's handmade rugs provide an affordable and practical option for many families.

For al-Sawwaf, each rug woven is a continuation of a legacy that spans generations. His late father, Mahmoud Husni al-Sawwaf, instilled in him the importance of preserving their family's craft. This tradition, dating back roughly 300 years, is a source of pride and resilience for al-Sawwaf, who hopes to restore the factory and expand production once conditions improve.

Operating near Gaza City's 'Yellow Line,' al-Sawwaf remains steadfast in his commitment to his craft, despite the proximity to Israeli military forces. He dreams of a day when raw materials and machinery can flow freely into Gaza, allowing him to rebuild what was lost and continue his family's journey.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 73,000 Palestinians, with more than 174,000 injured, predominantly women and children. Despite these immense challenges, al-Sawwaf's dedication to his craft provides hope and a sense of continuity for his community.