PALESTINIANS in Gaza are marking the start of Ramadan under a fragile ceasefire, with many saying that grief, destruction and deepening poverty have eclipsed the festive spirit that usually accompanies Islam’s holiest month.
The first day of Ramadan in Gaza falls on Wednesday. Traditionally a period of fasting from dawn until sunset, the month is also a time of communal meals, prayer, charity and reflection. This year, however, residents say the atmosphere is subdued following months of war between Israel and Hamas.
“There is no joy after we lost our family and loved ones,” AP cited Gaza City resident Fedaa Ayyad saying on Wednesday. “Even if we try to cope with the situation, we can’t truly feel it in our hearts. … I am one of those who cannot feel the atmosphere of Ramadan.”
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive, which followed the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas-led militants that left about 1,200 people in Israel dead, most of them civilians, and 251 taken hostage. Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, and the majority of its population displaced.
Although a ceasefire brokered on 10 October sought to halt more than two years of war, violence has not fully ceased. Gaza health officials say more than 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the agreement took effect. The ministry, part of the Hamas-led administration, does not differentiate between civilians and militants, though its casualty figures are regarded as broadly reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts. Israel says its strikes respond to militant attacks and other violations; four Israeli soldiers have been killed in that period.
As residents visited markets in the days before Ramadan, many spoke of mounting financial strain. Jobs are scarce, cash is limited and prices remain high.
“There is no cash among the people. There is no work. It’s true that it is Ramadan, but Ramadan requires money,” said Gaza City resident Waleed Zaqzouq, urging traders to take account of widespread hardship.
Before the war, he added, “people lived a dignified life. The situation has completely changed in the war, meaning people have been devastated and worn down.”
Winter conditions have compounded the crisis. Severe cold has reportedly contributed to child deaths, while heavy rains have flooded displacement camps and caused further collapses of already damaged buildings.
“There is much that has changed from this Ramadan to Ramadan before the war,” said Raed Koheel, also of Gaza City. “In the past, the atmosphere was more delightful. The streets were lit up with decorations. All streets had decorations. Our children were happy.”
Yet amid the devastation, some residents have sought to salvage a sense of normality. In Khan Younis, surrounded by shattered buildings, calligrapher and artist Hani Dahman painted the words “Welcome, Ramadan” in Arabic as children gathered to watch. Strands of decorative lights were hung across the rubble-strewn streets.
“We are here in Khan Younis camp, trying to bring happiness to the hearts of children, women, men and entire families,” Dahman said. “We are … sending a message to the world that we are people who seek life.”
Mohammed Taniri, observing the modest preparations, said even small gestures mattered.
“When they provide such beautiful, simple decorations, it brings joy to the children,” he said. “Despite all the hardships, they are trying to create a beautiful atmosphere.” - February 18, 2026
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