Gazans prepare for Ramadan among the ruins

Gazans prepare for Ramadan among the ruins

Amid the devastation of war, Gaza’s residents are preparing for Ramadan by decorating their streets with lanterns, banners and glowing crescent moons. Despite widespread destruction and the displacement of nearly 1.5 million… pic.twitter.com/4McWSDA6kZ

— Middle East Monitor (@MiddleEastMnt) February 27, 2025

In Gaza, which is deeply scarred after Israel’s 15-month genocidal bombing campaign, residents have begun preparing for the holy month of Ramadan by decorating streets and homes with lanterns, banners and colourful flags.

Despite the widespread devastation left by Israel’s war, Palestinian residents of the Strip are trying to rebuild their communities with symbols of faith and resilience.

Handmade decorations, glowing crescent moons and colourful lights now hang between buildings, bringing a sense of unity and hope ahead of the start of the Muslim month of fasting this weekend.

For many, these preparations serve as a reminder of endurance and spiritual strength in the face of hardship.

Families seem to be determined to uphold the spirit of the holy month and to continue their Ramadan customs. However, for many who are now homeless as a result of the war, financial constraints means they are unable to buy decorations or prepare for the month in the way they previously did.

Shopkeeper Hosam Al-Ajooz said in previous years the Ramadan season was the most lucrative, however things have slowed considerably this year.

Displaying lanterns outside his shop in Gaza, Al-Ajooz says: “People are still hurt, there’s not much movement in the markets.”

In addition to the lack of funds, people are stocking without amenities, including electricity. “Lanterns need electricity,” Al-Ajooz says, “So [we are just selling them] as decorations.”

According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, nearly 1.5 million Palestinians have been left without a home or shelter after the Israeli bombing campaign.

A ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement has been in place in Gaza since 19 January, pausing Israel’s war which killed at least 48,350 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.

READ: PA warns against Israeli restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque ahead of Ramadan