Palestinian boys play football in a street at the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, on Nov. 30, 2022.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

A Palestinian boy holds the logo of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when he is watching the opening ceremony and opening match between Qatar and Ecuador at a gymnasium in Gaza City, on Nov. 20, 2022. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

People watch a televised match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on a street in Gaza City Nov. 23, 2022.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Palestinian boys play football in a street at the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, on Nov. 30, 2022.(Photo: Xinhua)

 
Harsh living conditions in Gaza, the besieged Palestinian enclave, have not tempered the residents' passion for the ongoing FIFA World Cup, which is being held in the Middle East for the first time.

Omar Baalousha, in his 40s, came to Saad Saiel public hall early to save a front seat to watch the matches that aired on a big-screen television placed at the center of the hall.

"Here, I could feel the full extent the enthusiasm of other fans who react to each goal, as if I were in the stadiums in Qatar," the father of six told Xinhua, flashing a smile.

He also noted that the frequent electricity shortages in Gazans' homes as well as the expensive fees of sports channels are also the reasons for many people going to cafes and public halls to watch the games.