JABALIYA, Gaza Strip — The holy month of Ramadan, once a time of joy and community for Fatima Al-Absi in Jabaliya, has taken on a somber tone this year due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. During previous Ramadans, Al-Absi and her family would engage in festive activities such as shopping for the holy month, visiting relatives, and attending mosque prayers.
However, the current conflict has drastically altered these traditions. Al-Absi has suffered profound personal losses, with both her husband and son-in-law killed, her home damaged and burned, and the mosque she frequented destroyed.
“Everything has changed,” she lamented as Ramadan began. “There’s no husband, no home, no proper food and no proper life.”
This year’s Ramadan unfolds under a tenuous ceasefire after over 15 months of war that has caused significant devastation in the Gaza Strip and claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives. While the ceasefire has brought some respite, the fear of the unknown and grief for personal and collective losses hang over the people.
“I’ve lost a lot,” expressed the 57-year-old grandmother, now struggling amid the ruins. “Life is difficult. May God grant us patience and strength.”
On Sunday, Israel halted all aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal to extend the ceasefire, a move Hamas sees as an attempt to undermine the current truce. Despite the tensions, both sides have not formally ended the truce.
“We’re scared because there’s no stability,” Al-Absi shared, hopeful for the war’s end as she cannot withstand further losses. This was before Israel’s announcement concerning the proposal and aid cutoff.
Despite the challenges, some residents find this year’s Ramadan somewhat better than last year’s. “We can’t predict what will happen next,” remarked Amal Abu Sariyah from Gaza City. “Yes, the country is destroyed and the situation is very bad, but the feeling that the shelling and the killing have stopped makes you feel that this year is better than the last one.”
Last year’s Ramadan, marred by war and displacement, was prived of joy for many Palestinians. As the 2024 Ramadan began, the truce was still under negotiation, with Gaza facing worsening hunger and no visible end to the conflict.
The clashes began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas-led attack that resulted in about 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages. Since then, Israel’s counteroffensive has led to over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. Destruction is widespread in Gaza.
Under the ceasefire, many Palestinians returned to northern Gaza, experiencing a mix of relief and sorrow while navigating life amidst destruction.
As locals prepared for Ramadan, shopping for essentials, the harsh economic realities and living conditions were a common complaint. Nevertheless, many leaned on their faith for hope and sustenance.
Nasser Shoueikh, once able to assist others, now finds himself struggling. “My situation, thank God, used to be better and I wasn’t in need for anything. We ask God to stand by us,” he said.
Ramadan, which involves daily fasting, greater religious devotion, reflection, and charitable activities, traditionally brings families and communities together in celebration with evening meals to end the daily fast. However, for many like Fatima Barbakh from Khan Younis, shopping for the month was restricted to essentials, foregoing the usual festive lanterns and decorations.
Meanwhile, Al-Absi recalls breaking fasts with her late husband and yearns for his presence during her prayers. “We don’t want war,” she said. “We want peace and safety.”
