Published：Feb 17, 21:48Last updated：Feb 28, 08:17

Gaza’s Ramadan Marked by Grief, Resilience, and Ongoing Conflict

Feb. 17, 2026 21:48

Muslim Palestinians in Gaza are preparing for Ramadan amid a fragile ceasefire agreement. The holy month, beginning around February 18 or 19, involves fasting, worship, and charity, but many Palestinians feel the festive spirit is lacking. The article was published on February 17, 2026.

Summarized

16News

10Media

Feb. 28, 2026 05:01

On February 28, 2026, in Gaza City, Saddam al-Yazji, his wife, and daughter were seen breaking their Ramadan fast in the dirt after an Israeli strike destroyed most of their family. The scene reflects ongoing violence and loss experienced during the holy month in Gaza.

Feb. 28, 2026 08:17

In Gaza City, Saddam al-Yazji and his family break their Ramadan fast amid the rubble of their destroyed home, where most of their family members were killed in a December 2023 Israeli bombing. The family, with only a few survivors, mourns the loss of 40 relatives. Ramadan, typically a time for family gatherings, has become a period of deep grief for many Gaza families affected by ongoing conflict with Israeli forces fighting Hamas for over two years.

As Ramadan unfolds in February 2026, Palestinians in Gaza are observing the holy month amid ongoing devastation, persistent violence, and profound loss. Despite a ceasefire in October 2025, the region remains gripped by the aftermath of two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Many families, displaced and mourning loved ones, strive to maintain Ramadan traditions while facing dire humanitarian conditions and renewed strikes that have shattered hopes for lasting peace.
CBC News+2

🕌 Ramadan Traditions Amid Destruction

In Gaza City and other neighborhoods, residents attempt to preserve the spirit of Ramadan by lighting lanterns and gathering at damaged mosques for prayers, even as rubble lines the streets. Families like that of Majdoleen Abu Assi reflect on the heavy silence, the constant presence of drones, and the collective yearning for peace. The destruction of communal spaces, such as mosques, has forced worshippers to adapt, holding prayers in makeshift settings and clinging to traditions as acts of resilience.
CBC News+2

🏚️ Displacement, Loss, and Daily Hardships

The war has left much of Gaza in ruins, with the UN warning that conditions are the worst ever seen. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have been displaced at least once, and food aid remains insufficient. The situation is especially dire for families like that of Saddam al-Yazji, who, after an Israeli strike, now break their fast in the dirt beside the ruins of their home, mourning the loss of 40 relatives. Many are forced to live in tents, their traditional family gatherings replaced by scenes of deep grief and survival.
The Independent+2

✨ Enduring Hope and Community Amid Adversity

Despite the devastation, moments of solidarity and hope persist. Some residents hang decorations and light lanterns, determined to uphold Ramadan customs. The holy month has become a symbol of resilience, with families and communities supporting one another in the face of adversity. The ongoing violence, however, casts a shadow over these efforts, as new strikes and losses continue to test the endurance of Gaza’s people. Ramadan in 2026 stands as a testament to both the suffering and the unbroken spirit of those who remain.
The Guardian+2

Gaza CityKhan YounisWaleed al ZamliAl Hassaina mosqueIsrael-Hamas conflict