Gaza welcomes a Ramadan of bittersweet joy and lingering loss
In the crowded streets of Gaza City’s Omar El Mukhtar, Ahmed Daban busies himself with setting up Ramadan decorations on his stall.
Once an electrical engineer, Daban now earns a living selling sweets like qataief, a traditional Ramadan treat, after the devastating Israeli war on the besieged Strip.
“I’m lucky to find a job that allows me to share joy and make a living, until the borders open, and I can return to my work,” says the 23-year-old.
Daban reflects on the bittersweet nature of this year's Ramadan, which arrives during a fragile ceasefire, following 15 months of Israeli bombardment that killed over 48,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction.
“Despite the pain of losing my brother and the destruction of my house, I try to stay optimistic and share joy with the people around me,” he tells Middle East Eye.
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Daban had lost his brother and the family house in Israeli attacks during the war.
Though he feels sorrow that many of the houses he once visited are now partially or completely destroyed, Daban still makes an effort to visit relatives wherever they are in the city.
'My biggest wish this Ramadan is to ensure that the war never returns'
- Ahmed Daban, Gaza City resident
Like many others, he also tends to visit the local graveyard to pray for those killed during the war.
“Our joy is wounded by the absence of those who used to share it with us, but we carry on,” he says.
Daban now lives with his extended family in a relative's home on Al-Naser Street, in the western part of Gaza City,
In the days leading up to Ramadan, the family gathered to chant religious songs welcoming the fasting month and decorate the house.
“Ramadan this year is mixed with grief due to the absence of loved ones, but we are grateful to experience it with a sense of peace, after the horrors of the war,” he says.
“My biggest wish this Ramadan is to ensure that the war never returns, and that peace and blessings spread among the people everywhere.”
Israeli aid blockade
A short distance from Daban's stall, Shahid Shawish walks through the local marketwith her cousin, Lama, 19, as they used to do before the war.
“I miss the details of Ramadan,” Shawish tells MEE.
Ramadan’s start on 1 March coincided with the end of the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, which began in January.
However, Israel has breached the terms of the agreement by refusing to withdraw from the border area with Egypt and declining to enter negotiations for the second phase, leaving the future of the truce uncertain.
Under the pretext of “pressuring Hamas” to accept its terms, Israel has also blocked the entry of all aid into Gaza, violating the January agreement. This has caused a surge in prices and a shortage of essential items, like suger.
“I’m sad to see the places that used to be filled with joy and beauty during Ramadan now destroyed, with only a few lights this year,” says Shawish.
“Though the ceasefire is a relief, many goods and food items are still expensive.”
Shawish and her family were forced to flee to Khan Younis in the southern part of the Strip during the war, only returning to Gaza City when Israeli forces withdrew from the Netzarim corridor in January.
Her family’s house in Al-Daraj neighbourhood, in the eastern part of Gaza City, was only partially damaged, but her uncles' and aunts' houses were completely destroyed. As a result, they preferred to stay in temporary shelters in the south.
“They always visit us during Ramadan, but now it will be hard for them because of the difficulties of transportation from south to north,” she says. “Though I will go to the south to visit them and stay for a couple of days there.”
Bittersweet joy
Last year, Ramadan came during the height of Israel’s war on Gaza, and children like Naema Ghanim lived in constant fear of air strikes, moving from one displacement to another.
This year, the 11-year-old and her aunt, Hanaa Ghanim, are shopping for Ramadan decorations for their newly rented home after their house was destroyed in an Israeli bombing.
“She’s been so happy these past few days, wanting to buy everything we used to have for Ramadan,” says Ghanim.
Reflecting on last year, Naema recalled the fear that overshadowed the holiday.
“I love this month because I visit my relatives with my parents and go to Taraweeh prayers at the mosque,” she says. “But last year, I was too scared to enjoy it because of the bombings.”
The Israeli occupation destroyed 1,109 mosques between 7 October 2023 and 19 January 2024, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Gaza. Despite the widespread destruction, people have been gradually repairing what they can or setting up temporary tents for prayer.
“I’m happy that we’re safe and can pray now, but I’m still afraid the war will return,” Naema said.
Fedaa Heriz, 45, from Gaza City, also spent the days leading up to Ramadan shopping for lanterns with her niece, Razan Heriz, nine. Though her home was partially destroyed during the war, Heriz has opted not to put up the usual festive decorations.
“I love everything about this month, but it comes with bittersweet joy. The war may have stopped, but its aftermath still lingers,” she tells MEE.
“Every house in Gaza has faced tragedy, most streets are in ruins, and many families are living in makeshift tents.”
The breadwinner for her family, Heriz makes a living baking bread for her neighbours. Despite financial strain, she took Razan to the shop to lift her spirits.
“Razan’s father used to bring her lanterns and toys for Ramadan, but he was killed during the war,” Heriz said.
“I hope the ceasefire continues, so we can experience Ramadan and live in peace.”
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