As the sun dips below the horizon in Gaza, the call to Maghrib prayer echoes through the air, signaling the time to break the fast.

Ramadan is meant to be a time of spiritual reflection, unity, and gratitude, yet for many Palestinians, it is shadowed by the pain of loss, displacement, and uncertainty about the future.

This year's Ramadan comes without the immediate threat of Israeli bombardment, offering a brief respite after months of relentless attacks. However, as the first phase of the ceasefire nears its end, fear lingers.

Many Palestinians worry that the fragile truce will collapse, bringing another wave of death and destruction. "I am scared of the war being launched again after 15 months of suffering, bombing, and shelling," shares one resident. "We urge every country to take action, push for negotiations, and increase humanitarian aid. Gaza needs reconstruction, not more devastation."

Loss and Longing

The past year has been particularly harrowing for Palestinians in Gaza. Homes have been reduced to rubble, mosques have been destroyed, and countless families have been torn apart. YF Alm, a Palestinian who lost 25 family members in an Israeli airstrike, is among those recently released as part of the ceasefire deal.

Though reunited with his surviving relatives, his joy is bittersweet. "Breaking fast with my family is a wish that came true," he says. "But we lost more than half of them. Our family table, once overflowing with loved ones, is now so much smaller."

Across Gaza, thousands share his pain. Empty seats at Iftar serve as painful reminders of those who are no longer there—fathers, mothers, children, and siblings whose absence is deeply felt.

Resilience Amid Ruins

Despite their grief, Palestinians refuse to let their suffering define them. Even among the ruins, they light up the streets with Ramadan decorations, a testament to their unwavering spirit. "We are here in the midst of destruction, but we remain steadfast," says one resident. "We will break our fast on our land, and we will not leave."

The threat of forced displacement looms large. Despite international calls for restraint, pressure continues for Palestinians to abandon their homeland. However, their response remains firm: "We will not leave this country. This is our home, and no amount of destruction or suffering will push us away."

A Sacred Month in the Shadow of War

For over a thousand years, Palestinians have observed Ramadan with devotion, and this year is no different. The echoes of war may still ring across Gaza, but the spirit of resilience prevails. As families gather—however small their numbers—to share a meal and offer prayers, they remind the world that despite all they have endured, they are still standing.

Ramadan in Gaza is more than just a month of fasting; it is a testament to faith, perseverance, and an unbreakable connection to the land. Even in the face of unimaginable hardship, the people of Gaza continue to rise, holding onto their prayers, their hope, and their home.