Gaza Residents Begin Ramadan Under Fragile Ceasefire After Devastating War

The holy month brings a mix of grief, resilience, and tentative hope as Palestinians navigate life in the aftermath of conflict.

The Gaza Strip observes Ramadan during a tenuous ceasefire following 15 months of war that killed over 48,000 Palestinians and displaced countless others.
Residents describe the stark contrast between pre-war Ramadan traditions and the current reality of loss, scarcity, and damaged infrastructure.
Israel has expressed support for extending the ceasefire through Ramadan, though negotiations for a permanent truce remain unresolved.
Economic hardship persists, with many families unable to afford traditional Ramadan meals or decorations, despite some markets reopening.
Faith and resilience remain central for many Palestinians, who continue Ramadan rituals in makeshift settings while mourning lost loved ones.