As Muslims around the world prepare for Ramadan—a time of prayer, reflection, and joyous evening meals—Gazans share a collective wish for an end to five months of war and suffering.
This hopeful sentiment resonates across the Islamic world, where thoughts are directed toward Gaza as the fasting month approaches with the sighting of the crescent moon on March 10 or 11.
The conflict, initiated by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, has left Gaza devastated, claiming tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and sparking violence across the Middle East, from Lebanon to the seas off Yemen.
Against the backdrop of southern Gaza’s ruins, individuals like Ms. Nevin al-Siksek find solace in the iconic Ramadan lanterns, a symbol of the month typically marked by festive evening iftar meals with family and friends.
This year, the lights in Gaza serve as one of the few signs heralding the holy month amidst dire warnings of mass starvation. While international mediators hoped for a truce before Ramadan, as of March 8, no breakthrough had been achieved.
With much of the territory resembling a hellscape of bombed-out neighborhoods, emaciated children, and mass graves, displaced families like Ms. Siksek’s will break their fast in makeshift tents, struggling to find enough food.
As Ramadan, a time of life, joy, and spirit in the past, approaches, Gazans face war, oppression, and famine. The hope for peace persists, and prayers are extended not only from within the region but also from Muslims worldwide.
The reports of an impending famine in Gaza weigh heavily on the hearts of those like Jordanian father-of-five Saif Hindawi, who can only express solidarity through his prayers as he shops for essentials in Amman.
The impact of the war extends to southern Lebanon, Yemen, and other regions, where individuals grapple with displacement, economic challenges, and humanitarian crises.
As Muslims in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem express concerns about violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the usual festive preparations for Ramadan are overshadowed by apprehension.
In Cairo, a Gazan student, fearing the unbearable conditions this Ramadan, reflects on the contrast between the traditional joy of the month and the current reality where basic sustenance is a challenge for many Gazans.
Despite the hardships, the enduring spirit of hope and resilience persists, reminding the world of the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
