Ramadan is being observed in Gaza amidst the ruins

Fasting is being observed in Gaza amidst the gradual attacks by the Israeli military. Alongside, famine and diseases are rampant in Gaza. While Muslims around the world observe fasting throughout the day, the people of Gaza spend their days searching for the bodies of their loved ones amidst the ruins.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for more than five months. Every day, 25 people die in Gaza due to malnutrition and dehydration. Therefore, how will they observe fasting?

According to a report from the United Nations, the situation in northern Gaza is the worst. Aid and assistance are unable to reach there, and famine is prevailing across the region. Despite this, the people there are still observing fasting.

Rafah, the city located at the southern border of Gaza, shelters around 15 lakh people. Due to food scarcity, they observe fasting to conserve whatever little food they have. They consume a modest pre-dawn meal (Sehri) and break their fast (Iftar) with dried foods. Lentils and grains are shared among those fortunate enough to have them.

One of the refugees in Rafah is Mohammad Al-Masri. Al-Jazeera quoted him saying, "We have no preparation for Ramadan. What do homeless people have? Ramadan is not just a holy month for us but also a joyful one. We observe Sehri and Iftar with our families. But we spend our days inside the tents during this cold. Ramadan is the same for us as previous months."

63-year-old Jaki Abu Monsur is also a refugee. Sitting inside his tent, he said, "After breaking the fast, I don't even know what I'll have for Iftar. At this moment, I only have one tomato and one cucumber with me. I don't even have money to buy anything."

Amidst this, Israeli warplanes are flying over the skies of Gaza. No one knows when or where bombs will strike. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has urged for the cessation of hostilities during the month of Ramadan. However, the conflict continues. In the past few days alone, Gaza has been attacked by airstrikes 40 times, resulting in the deaths of 67 people.

"Fasting" is a profound religious experience for Muslims. Despite the uncertainties of life, Gazans have found their own ways to celebrate Ramadan. They clean and sanctify their tents, and within them, they distribute traditional lanterns. In the places where mosques were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes the previous day, dozens of worshippers gather to perform Taraweeh prayers.

Source: Al Jazeera