No Joy in Gaza as Families Endure Hardship During Ramadan

Families in Gaza City are observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan under severe hardship, as the impact of the ongoing war with Israel continues to upend daily life.

Many displaced residents are sheltering in abandoned schools and makeshift camps after their homes were destroyed. Shortages of food, clean water and cooking fuel have forced families to rely on firewood and scraps to prepare meals, stripping Ramadan of its usual spirit of joy and togetherness.

This year’s Ramadan comes after prolonged fighting that has caused widespread destruction and mass displacement across Gaza. Residents say the month, normally marked by communal prayers and shared meals, has instead become a period of mourning, struggle and survival.

The hardship in Gaza is mirrored by heightened tensions elsewhere. In Jerusalem, worshippers attending the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque faced strict security measures and access restrictions.

Overall, the situation highlights how conflict has transformed Ramadan for many Palestinians — from a season of faith and celebration into one defined by loss, displacement and dependence on humanitarian aid.

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