Gaza’s Ramadan: A Shadow of Joy Amidst Devastation

This year, Ramadan brings grief and reflection to Gazans as they navigate a transformed reality post-conflict.

As the holy month of Ramadan commences in Gaza, many residents reflect on how the prolonged conflict over the last 15 months has overshadowed a once jubilant celebration. Traditionally marked by community gatherings and beautiful decorations, this year's observance is characterized by loss, grief, and a profound sense of displacement.

Maisa Arafa, 29, shared her sorrow as she cleared rubble from her devastated home in northern Gaza. Her brother lost his life during the war, and she now lives with relatives in a tent, yearning for the return of normalcy. "This isn’t the Ramadan we knew, or even the life we knew," she lamented while shopping in a strip of downtown Gaza City that still holds memories of better times.

Since a cease-fire was declared in mid-January, the situation has eased slightly, with daily shipments of food and supplies entering Gaza. However, the conflict's scars run deep. Abdelhalim Awad, a local baker, noted that while prices are dropping and goods are more available, many residents can only afford the essentials for their breaking of the fast at night.

The war, which began with a Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has drastically altered the landscape. Recent reports indicate that the Israeli military campaign resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, alongside the destruction of vast areas of the Gaza Strip. Despite claims of targeting Hamas operatives, the true toll on civilians remains a controversial topic.

Muhanned Hamad, a 39-year-old accountant from Gaza City, echoes the sentiments of his neighbors as he seeks a holiday lantern for a family that has suffered immense loss. "This Ramadan is nothing like the ones before; it has drained it of meaning," he expressed. Even with a fragile cease-fire in place, Gazans navigate the holy month with heavy hearts amid the ruins of their former lives.