Amid the ruins of war, Gaza welcomes Ramadan with unwavering faith. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes still echo in some areas as millions of displaced Palestinians begin fasting in makeshift shelters, struggling with hunger and hardship.
While the newly elected U.S. president expresses hope for Gaza’s reconstruction, the UN agency UNRWA warns of widespread famine and poverty. With little food and inadequate clothing, refugees in overcrowded camps mark the holy month under dire conditions. Yet, even in the midst of devastation, they light lamps, decorate their broken homes, and give thanks for Ramadan’s arrival.
For many, this Ramadan feels different. Under the ceasefire agreement, several Palestinian prisoners have been freed, finally able to share suhoor and iftar with their families. But for countless others, suffering persists. A Palestinian child told foreign media, “This Ramadan is unlike any before. We are not in our homes but in camps, and we have no food for suhoor and iftar.”
Since October 7, 2023, nearly 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives to Israeli bombings, with 111,000 injured—half of them women and children. Yet, despite immense loss and hardship, Gaza’s spirit remains un