The holy month of Ramadan brings a stark contrast between past joy and current grief for Gazans, as the lengthy conflict has left many with little to celebrate.
Ramadan in Gaza: A Time of Mourning and Loss Amid Destruction
Ramadan in Gaza: A Time of Mourning and Loss Amid Destruction
As Ramadan begins, Gazans reflect on the devastation wreaked by the ongoing conflict.
In Gaza, the holy month of Ramadan has started under the shadow of a devastating 15-month war, changing the meaning of this traditionally joyous time for many residents. Once a festive occasion marked by communal prayers and decorated streets, the reality of Ramadan in 2025 is far from the memories of past celebrations. "This Ramadan is nothing like the ones before,” expressed Maisa Arafa, a resident of northern Gaza who is mourning the loss of her brother. Living in a tent with her family, she highlighted the stark contrast to better days. "This is not the Ramadan we knew, or even the life we knew."
With a cease-fire in place since mid-January and thousands of truckloads of supplies being delivered daily, there is a semblance of some relief from the intense hunger experienced during the conflict. Abdelhalim Awad, a local business owner, noted that while food prices have stabilized compared to the peak of the conflict, the economic recovery is slow. "Goods are now available," he mentioned, though added that many residents are only purchasing essentials due to continued financial strains.
Since the outbreak of violence after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, the humanitarian crisis has escalated drastically. With reported casualties exceeding 48,000 Palestinians, including many children, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure, many families are grappling with grief. Accounts from residents like Muhanned Hamad reflect a shared sentiment: "The war has drained it of meaning," he said, and for some, even the relief offered by a cease-fire feels inadequate when weighed against their losses.
As Gazans come together to navigate this somber Ramadan, issues of displacement, mourning, and survival dominate their thoughts, marking a pivotal moment in their lives far removed from the joy Ramadan once represented.
With a cease-fire in place since mid-January and thousands of truckloads of supplies being delivered daily, there is a semblance of some relief from the intense hunger experienced during the conflict. Abdelhalim Awad, a local business owner, noted that while food prices have stabilized compared to the peak of the conflict, the economic recovery is slow. "Goods are now available," he mentioned, though added that many residents are only purchasing essentials due to continued financial strains.
Since the outbreak of violence after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, the humanitarian crisis has escalated drastically. With reported casualties exceeding 48,000 Palestinians, including many children, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure, many families are grappling with grief. Accounts from residents like Muhanned Hamad reflect a shared sentiment: "The war has drained it of meaning," he said, and for some, even the relief offered by a cease-fire feels inadequate when weighed against their losses.
As Gazans come together to navigate this somber Ramadan, issues of displacement, mourning, and survival dominate their thoughts, marking a pivotal moment in their lives far removed from the joy Ramadan once represented.
