Gaza City – As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches, expected to begin Wednesday or Thursday, Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are bracing for a period of observance marked by hardship and uncertainty. Despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025, ongoing violence and a worsening humanitarian situation are casting a shadow over preparations for the traditionally festive month. The atmosphere is a far cry from past Ramadans, with many describing it as another “sad Ramadan,” reflecting the profound impact of the conflict on daily life.
The ceasefire, which began on October 10, 2025, has not brought complete security. According to Gaza’s health authorities, at least 603 Palestinians have been killed and 1,618 wounded since the truce was implemented, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to over 72,000, with more than 171,000 injured. These figures underscore the continued fragility of the situation and the persistent threat to civilians.
A Market Reflects the Mood
The once-bustling Zawiya market in Gaza City’s Traditional City offers a stark illustration of the current mood. Reports indicate the market was largely empty on February 16, 2026, with goods remaining unsold on shop shelves. Sameh al-Bitar, a 40-year-old spice shop owner, expressed his longing for the festive atmosphere of Ramadans past. “We used to decorate our homes, streets and markets,” he said, lamenting the current state of affairs. “Now everything in Gaza is sad.” Al-Bitar has personally experienced the devastating consequences of the conflict, having lost two sons in an airstrike.
He anticipates this year’s Ramadan will be limited to basic religious observance, lacking the customary family visits and communal iftars (breaking of the fast) that traditionally define the month. This sentiment is echoed by many Gazans, who are grappling with displacement, loss, and economic hardship.
Displacement and Uncertainty
The situation is particularly dire for those displaced by the conflict. In displacement camps like Deir al-Balah, families are struggling to maintain even a semblance of normalcy. Umm Arkan Bashir, a 40-year-old mother of seven displaced from Gaza City, shared her anxieties about the upcoming month. “I no longer make a shopping list for Ramadan like I used to. Now I only think about who will sit next to me for iftar, and who is gone forever,” she told The Recent Arab. Her home was destroyed, and her eldest daughter died from a kidney disease exacerbated by the collapse of the healthcare system.
Beyond Gaza, Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem also face heightened concerns as Ramadan approaches. Israeli forces have continued raids and arrests across cities and refugee camps, reinforcing military checkpoints and disrupting daily life. Cities including Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm have experienced sporadic confrontations between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces, with residents reporting frequent nighttime raids, arrests, settlement expansion, and land confiscations. These actions contribute to a climate of fear and uncertainty.
A Month of Resilience and Remembrance
Despite the immense challenges, Palestinians are preparing to observe Ramadan as best they can. The holy month, for many, has become a measure of resilience, a time to endure, and a space to hope. While the festive traditions may be diminished, the spiritual significance of Ramadan remains central for those observing the fast. The situation in Gaza highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
As Ramadan arrives for the third year under the ongoing conflict, the people of Gaza greet the holy month with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. Streets once filled with lanterns and laughter are now lined with rubble, and the scent of traditional Ramadan foods has been replaced by smoke and dust. The distant hum of drones and occasional explosions serve as a constant reminder of the precariousness of life in the region.
What comes next for Gaza remains uncertain, but the resilience of its people in the face of adversity is undeniable. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, and efforts to secure a more durable ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis are ongoing.
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