While many around the world celebrate Ramadan in peace, Gaza faces its second Ramadan under the shadow of war. Amid bombings, hunger, and ruined homes, families in Gaza continue their cherished Ramadan traditions, finding strength amidst the ruins. They show incredible resilience and faith, even in such difficult times.
Despite immense challenges, the spiritual essence of Ramadan continues to bring comfort to Gaza's residents. Many families have hung traditional lanterns and decorations on damaged buildings and in tent settlements, creating moments of normalcy amid the devastation.
Marwan Joudeh managed to secure some Ramadan decorations for his five children. "I wanted to bring some joy to their hearts", he said. However, he admitted, "We don't feel the spirit of Ramadan. The camp is in ruins, and every household has lost someone." Prayers have also become more difficult, as most mosques have been destroyed. This Ramadan is made more difficult by the financial difficulties in addition to the emotional toll. With thousands displaced and homes destroyed, many families are left without income, relying on aid that is insufficient to meet their needs.
"The war has taken away everything, our homes, our livelihoods, and even the simple joys of Ramadan", shared one resident. Once-lively family gatherings are now overshadowed by grief, and silence.
Yet, Gaza’s people hold onto hope. Children, with the help of their parents, craft Ramadan lanterns from recycled materials, adding small sparks of joy to their surroundings. At the start of Ramadan, there was a small moment of hope for the people of Gaza. A two-month ceasefire gave families some time to breathe after 17 months of war. On the first day of Ramadan, people in Gaza broke their fasts together in the streets, surrounded by the rubble of their destroyed homes.
"People are deeply saddened, and everything around us feels heartbreaking", explained Malak Fadda, who organized this community meal. "So, we decided to bring joy back to this street, just as it was before the war".
On March 2, less than 48 hours after Ramadan began, Israel shut all crossings into Gaza, preventing the entry of humanitarian aid and fuel. A week later, Israel cut off remaining electricity supplies to the enclave, forcing the scaling down of a desalination plant that was providing drinking water to half a million Palestinians in central and southern Gaza.
For 18 days, Israel has closed all crossings into Gaza, preventing food, fuel, and aid from entering. The blockade has made fasting even more difficult, leaving families with little food to break their fast. It has also led to severe water shortages, worsening an already dire situation.
Community kitchens that once provided meals have been shut down due to security concerns. "We no longer receive aid, and even the charity kitchens have shut down", explained Zaqout.
Palestinians watched the situation anxiously, unsure whether the ceasefire would hold or if war would return. Sadly, their fears came true when, on March 18, Israeli warplanes began bombing Gaza again, breaking the fragile peace.
"At around 02:00 GMT, we were suddenly awakened by intense shelling”, Essam Abu Odeh told the BBC. Many families were having their pre-dawn meals when the explosions started. According to health officials, these new strikes killed more than 400 people, mostly women and children. Hospitals quickly became overwhelmed with injured victims, struggling to treat the wounded.
Hael, a resident from Jabalia al-Balad, told BBC Arabic, that he was shocked that the war started again, but at the same time, this is what we can expect from the Israelis.
As Ramadan continues, Gaza's residents live with constant uncertainty. Many fear more violence while struggling to meet their basic needs. Yet across the strip, the determination to maintain faith and community remains strong.
Families gather wherever they can, in tents, damaged homes, or simply amidst the rubble, to break their fasts together and pray for better days. Through it all, their faith continues to light even the darkest corners of devastation.
Esraa Abo Qamar, a Palestinian writer based in Gaza, says, "We have lost loved ones, homes, livelihoods, and mosques, but our faith remains as strong as ever."