The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins Wednesday in Gaza under a fragile ceasefire agreement, but many Palestinians say the devastating losses from the Israel-Hamas conflict have stripped away the traditional joy of the season. Economic struggles and continued violence are making it difficult for families to celebrate despite efforts by some community members to restore festive traditions.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins Wednesday for Palestinians in Gaza, taking place under a tenuous ceasefire agreement, though many residents report that ongoing hardships and devastating losses from the Israel-Hamas conflict have stripped away much of the season’s traditional joy.
“There is no joy after we lost our family and loved ones,” Gaza City resident Fedaa Ayyad explained. “Even if we try to cope with the situation, we can’t truly feel it in our hearts. … I am one of those who cannot feel the atmosphere of Ramadan.”
The sacred month typically involves daily fasting from sunrise to sunset for practicing Muslims. Under normal conditions, Ramadan brings families together for celebratory meals when breaking their fasts each evening. The period emphasizes heightened prayer, spiritual contemplation, and charitable giving.
However, conditions in Gaza remain far from typical. Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while causing extensive destruction and forcing most residents from their homes. The Israeli operation began following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas-led fighters that killed approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages being taken.
While shopping at local markets this week, Gaza residents expressed concerns about financial difficulties overshadowing the holy month.
“There is no cash among the people. There is no work. It’s true that it is Ramadan, but Ramadan requires money,” Gaza City resident Waleed Zaqzouq stated. He urged merchants to acknowledge people’s economic struggles.
Prior to the conflict, “people lived a dignified life,” he noted. “The situation has completely changed in the war, meaning people have been devastated and worn down.”
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States on October 10, aimed to end more than two years of warfare between Israeli forces and Hamas. Although major combat operations have decreased, Israeli military activity continues almost daily throughout Gaza.
Israeli military units have conducted multiple airstrikes and regularly opened fire on Palestinians approaching military-controlled areas, resulting in more than 600 Palestinian deaths, Gaza health authorities report. The ministry, operating under Hamas governance, keeps detailed casualty documentation that U.N. agencies and independent analysts consider generally accurate, though it doesn’t separate civilian and combatant deaths.
Armed groups have launched attacks against Israeli troops, with Israel stating its military responses target these incidents and other ceasefire violations. Four Israeli soldiers have died during this period.
Gaza’s winter season has underscored the harsh living conditions facing displaced residents and the territory’s extensive needs. Extreme cold temperatures have led to children’s deaths in Gaza, while heavy rainfall has flooded displacement facilities and caused additional damage to already compromised structures.
“There is much that has changed from this Ramadan to Ramadan before the war,” Gaza City resident Raed Koheel observed. “In the past, the atmosphere was more delightful. The streets were lit up with decorations. All streets had decorations. Our children were happy.”
Despite these challenges, some Gaza residents have made efforts to restore elements of Ramadan’s celebratory traditions.
In Khan Younis, surrounded by destroyed buildings and debris, artist and calligrapher Hani Dahman painted “Welcome, Ramadan” in Arabic script while children observed his work.
“We are here in Khan Younis camp, trying to bring happiness to the hearts of children, women, men and entire families,” Dahman said. “We are … sending a message to the world that we are people who seek life.”
Ramadan decorations were strung up among the rubble. Mohammed Taniri observed the decoration installation.
“When they provide such beautiful, simple decorations, it brings joy to the children,” he commented. “Despite all the hardships, they are trying to create a beautiful atmosphere.”