For the second consecutive year, Gaza residents are celebrating Ramadan under exceptional conditions, following last year’s brutal Israeli war.
As Ramadan begins, many fear the return of war after the first phase of the ceasefire agreement ended, which lasted 42 days.
While some worry about the suspension of humanitarian aid and rising prices, others hope that mediators can extend the ceasefire at least through Ramadan and into Eid al-Fitr.
Nader Harb, a 49-year-old from Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, described this Ramadan as being different from the previous one spent in the midst of a “harsh war.” He lived in tents in Khan Yunis during last year’s Ramadan but now feels slightly better, living in a partially damaged house, regaining a part of his life despite the “bitter reality.”
On the first day of Ramadan in Gaza, “mesaharati” drummers roamed the streets, honoring victims and reminding people of suhoor times.
Youth groups held communal suhoor gatherings, and calls were made for collective iftar events in areas devastated by the conflict for those living in shelters.
