During the first day of Ramadan, Palestinian families in Gaza City gathered to break their fast in the midst of the ruins of their homes. Long tables were set up amidst the rubble, where families shared meals, offered prayers, and demonstrated unity. The background was filled with soft decorations and traditional Islamic songs.
Mohammad Al-Dada, a local resident, said that they insisted on having their first iftar in front of their destroyed homes. He believes this act signifies the strength of their faith, community, and resilience despite the loss and suffering.
On the other hand, families who have been forced to live in tents in the Al-Mawasi area after being displaced from their homes began Ramadan with extreme poverty. Walid Al-Zamel, a father of 11, who has been living in a tent after being displaced by the Israeli military operation, said that this year’s Ramadan has been devoid of joy.
In the UK, Ramadan began on two different days this year, with those following the calendar starting on Wednesday and those following the sighting of the moon starting on Thursday. Walid Al-Zamel said that before the war, they would welcome Ramadan with joy, with special treats for children, but this year has been different. He added that the shop where he worked has been destroyed, and he has lost his job, forcing his wife to obtain food from a charity kitchen for the first iftar.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, with the majority displaced and living in ruins or tents. The skyrocketing prices of food and the limited aid have made it difficult for people to access basic necessities, with meat and chicken prices increasing several times compared to pre-war levels.
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