Gaza Begins Ramadan Under Fragile Ceasefire and Ongoing Challenges

The holy month brings cautious hope for Palestinians as aid is cut off and uncertainty looms over the truce between Israel and Hamas.

Palestinians in Gaza are observing Ramadan under a fragile ceasefire following over 15 months of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire has allowed some respite, with communal meals and limited celebrations bringing moments of joy despite widespread destruction and loss.
Israel halted aid to Gaza on Sunday, pressuring Hamas to accept a new ceasefire proposal, a move criticized by Egypt as 'using starvation as a weapon.'
Many Gazans express mixed emotions, finding solace in the temporary peace but fearing the instability of the truce and the possibility of renewed violence.
The war, which began in October 2023, has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and displaced many, leaving the region struggling with severe humanitarian and economic crises.