The rust stopped, but not the pain! Iftar in tents, hope for light by lighting lanterns…this is how Ramadan was celebrated in Gaza

Ramadan 2026: The month of Ramadan has brought a ray of new hope for the people of Gaza. This is their first Ramadan after the ceasefire in October 2025. Small lanterns and garlands of lights have been decorated on the streets amid the debris and collapsed buildings. Some happiness and relief is visible on the faces of the children, because now after many months there is an atmosphere of peace. People are fasting and having iftar, but the pain and deprivation still remain.

Namaz in Omari Mosque

On the first morning of Ramadan, dozens of people reached Omari Mosque to offer Fajr prayers. Due to cold, he was wearing a heavy jacket, but his feet were bare. Abu Adam, a resident of Gaza City, said that despite the destruction of mosques, schools and homes, they came to worship. He said that the area was attacked last night too, but the resolve to worship Allah did not waver.

people living in tents

Even after the ceasefire, thousands of people are living in tents and temporary shelters in the south of Gaza. Nivin Ahmed, 50, who lives in Al-Mawasi area, said this is the first Ramadan without war, but the feelings are mixed. Earlier, there used to be a lot of dishes on the Iftar table and the whole family was together.

Now one can hardly prepare one main and one side dish. Everything is very expensive. She remembers those martyred, missing members and detained relatives. Happiness is suppressed.

Decoration and hope of togetherness

Maha Fathi, 37, has been displaced from Gaza City and lives in a tent in the western part. He said that even amidst so much devastation and sorrow, Ramadan is special. People were alone during the war, but now they understand each other’s sorrows. Families and neighbors are sharing small joys while preparing Sehri and decorating for Ramadan. Seeing the hustle and bustle of the decorations and markets gives hope for the return of stability.

welcome ramadan on the beach

Palestinian artist Yazid Abu Jarad beautifully wrote “Welcome Ramadan” in Arabic on the sand at Deir al-Balah beach in central Gaza. The children of the nearby tent camp were happy to see this. This small effort is making people feel the atmosphere of Ramadan.

Nearly 2.2 million people of Gaza were displaced more than once during the war that lasted more than two years. They are relying on foreign aid for help, but shortages and high prices of goods persist. Mohammed al-Madhon, 43, said he hoped this would be his last Ramadan in a tent. Children ask for lanterns and dream of a nice iftar table, but they feel helpless.