Ramadan in Gaza: Breaking the fast amid rubble
During the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslim believers eat only after sunset. This year, Palestinians in the devastated Gaza Strip are trying to find ways to celebrate the tradition with dignity.
Fireworks mark the holy month
Palestinians in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip celebrate with a small fireworks display. According to Muslim tradition, God revealed the Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, to the Prophet Muhammad during this month.
Decorating tent cities
Ramadan is the most important time of the year for devout Muslims. Houses are decorated with lanterns, fabric garlands, and colored lights.
Makeshift lanterns
Mohannad al-Najjar (left) hangs Ramadan lanterns out of empty beverage cans in the Gaza city of Khan Younis. Hanging colorful lights during the month of fasting is a centuries-old tradition — even older than Islam itself, according to some sources.
Food from the market
Since fighting in Gaza has largely come to an end, the food supply has improved. According to the United Nations, basic calorie requirements were fully met in January for the first time since 2023.
Cooking rough
But the humanitarian crisis isn't over. Meals are still often prepared outdoors on improvised fire pits. According to the UN, around 84% of buildings are now uninhabitable. This family will celebrate breaking their fast in the ruins of the Al-Hasayna Mosque in Gaza City.
A communal gathering
Eating together after sunset, the fast-breaking meal called "Iftar" is as much a part of Ramadan as fasting itself. This communal meal in Gaza City was organized by an Islamic aid organization from Turkey.