Gazans cook with firewood as Israeli airstrikes, fuel shortage force closure of bakeries

STORY: Gazans cook with firewood as Israeli airstrikes, fuel shortage force closure of bakeries DATELINE: Oct. 26, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:05 LOCATION: GAZA CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Palestinians waiting in line 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): AHMED NASSAR, Local resident 3. various of supplies in Gaza Strip 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMMED ABU SHAMALAH, Local resident STORYLINE: In Rafah city of Gaza Strip, Nedal al-Ashqar and his wife Wafaa cooked a family meal with firewood, despite the fear that Israeli aerial surveillance could mistake the smoke as a military target. "We have some flour, enough for two weeks, but we don't have enough gas and electricity to bake them," said the couple newly move from al-Shujaeya, a populous neighborhood in Gaza City to escape the heavy Israeli bombardment. "Mostly, I'm worried that an Israeli fighter jet may attack our house because of the smoke raised from the firewood," al-Ashqar said. "Even if we survive an attack, I don't have enough cash to buy more f

Traditional Ramadan lanterns made in China gain popularity in Jordan

STORY: Traditional Ramadan lanterns made in China gain popularity in Jordan DATELINE: March 26, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:37 LOCATION: Amman CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a shop 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): NEDAL WAHBEH, Shop owner STORYLINE: The traditional lanterns are essential ornaments to decorate homes and public places in Jordan during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, while those products made in China are gaining popularity. Nedal Wahbeh, who owns a shop in Amman specializing in selling Ramadan decorations, said that over the years, his customers have built confidence in Chinese products, so he imported the majority of the items from China. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): NEDAL WAHBEH, Shop owner "Confidence in these products has increased by 100%. Customers no longer want to double-check the product or are afraid it won't function properly. 'Made in China' has become a credible product for people." Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Amman. (XHTV)