In brief
This year, Ramadan in Gaza is overshadowed by the devastation of war, with families grappling with loss and displacement. Amidst the rubble, a somber spirit permeates the celebrations, as residents reflect on the stark contrast between past festivities and their current struggles.
In a city once brimming with life and vibrancy during Ramadan, the spirit of the holy month is replaced with sorrow and longing. This year, as the dawn-to-dusk fasting begins, residents of Gaza feel the weight of grief heavier than ever. Maisa Arafa, a 29-year-old woman who lost her brother in the conflict, expresses her dismay at the stark transformation of their lives, “This is not the Ramadan we knew, or even the life we knew,” she lamented while searching for supplies in the rubble of her neighborhood.Since the cease-fire took effect in mid-January 2025, Gaza has seen a significant increase in the delivery of essential goods, easing some hunger and economic pressures. Store owner Abdelhalim Awad notes a decrease in prices compared to the peak of the conflict when basic necessities were exorbitantly priced. “Goods are now available,” he affirms, though many still struggle to afford even the essentials for their iftar meals.The war has left an undeniable impact on the region, with over 48,000 Palestinians reported killed, including many civilians and children. The destruction is staggering, as families that returned to their neighborhoods found their homes reduced to rubble. Muhanned Hamad, an accountant seeking a holiday lantern for a grieving family, reflected on the deep change in their communal spirit, saying, “This Ramadan is nothing like the ones before. The war has drained it of meaning.”As the holy month progresses, the memories of hopeful gatherings and festive meals are now a distant dream for many, with this year’s observance starkly contrasting the vibrant traditions of the past. The devastation of war looms over their lives, leaving Gaza to mourn the tranquility and joy that Ramadan once brought.
