Despite enduring some of the most brutal wars in history, and facing immense personal losses, the people of Gaza remain resolute in their determination to hold onto the traditions and moments of joy that can offer solace, particularly with the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. Although the war has left deep scars, Gazans are determined to celebrate this holy month, despite the overwhelming grief and destruction around them.

Before the devastation, Ramadan in Gaza was marked by happiness and communal joy, a celebration shared with Muslims worldwide. However, the conflict extinguished much of this joy. People found themselves displaced, living in schools and shelters instead of their homes, facing a stark new reality after losing everything. Yet, even in these temporary homes, Gazans have found ways to revive the spirit of Ramadan. Lanterns are hung on the remains of destroyed walls, tent poles, and shelters, bringing a flicker of light and hope to their lives.

For the second consecutive year, more than two million Palestinians in Gaza face Ramadan as a stranger—bitter and distant. The once-familiar gatherings around iftar tables are absent, and the empty spaces at these tables serve as painful reminders of loved ones lost in the violence.

Sahab Ibrahim, a 60-year-old displaced woman residing in a UNRWA school, shares her determination to celebrate despite her grief. "I bought Ramadan decorations from a store in the center of the city to welcome the blessed month," she says. "I hung them in the classroom where I live. This is a tradition I have not broken for years, and I refuse to give it up, even after the martyrdom of my son and the tragedies of the war." For Sahab, this act of decorating symbolizes her refusal to let the horrors of the conflict steal away all joy.

Similarly, Mrs. Hanaa Al-Khouli, who lives nearby, expresses the same resolve. "Despite the difficult situation, I bought Ramadan decorations to change the mood of my family," she says. "What is the guilt of the children who must live in despair?" Like many others, she used to decorate her home with lanterns and lights before Ramadan. Although her house has been destroyed, she has decorated her new living space with battery-powered lights, bringing a small sense of normalcy to her displaced family.

The destruction of mosques has forced worshippers to adapt by holding Taraweeh prayers in shelters, tents, and schoolyards. Despite the cold and the lack of electricity, young men like Maymoon Mohamed express their gratitude for the opportunity to pray publicly this year, after being denied this right in the previous Ramadan. "We used to pray quietly, fearing the planes," Maymoon recalls. "But now, we are praying Taraweeh in the yard, even though the destruction around us is overwhelming."

Many areas in Gaza did not witness Taraweeh prayers in mosques last year due to the brutal assault launched by the Israeli occupation on October 7, 2023. During the war, over 1,100 mosques were destroyed, and tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed. The absence of these mosques has made the act of praying together in the face of such hardship even more significant, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing destruction.