There is a place preparing for the upcoming Ramadan in a somber way: Gaza. The local community is getting ready to welcome the month of Ramadan under the shadow of tens of thousands of losses and massive debris. Palestinians in Gaza are striving to rebuild their lives in the midst of colossal wreckage and profound absence.
The people of Gaza, who suffered great destruction in Israeli attacks, are preparing for Ramadan. With life gradually returning to normal after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, markets have been set up in Gaza for Ramadan preparations. However, living conditions in the region are incredibly harsh. In the midst of the Cibaliye camp, this small market has been opened to meet Ramadan needs.
Yet, the high cost of living is burdening the people of Gaza. Shopping is not easy at all, especially with debris all around.
A Palestinian visiting the market expressed, “This year, Ramadan is devoid of its usual atmosphere. It doesn’t even feel like there are only two days left until Ramadan starts. Prices are excessively high, and people can hardly buy anything.”
As the region has turned into a bloodbath due to Israeli attacks in the last one and a half years, the magnitude of destruction is as significant as the grief caused by the loss of lives.
A Palestinian woman stated, “This year’s Ramadan is different from the previous ones. People are mourning; some have a son in prison, some have lost a spouse or a son. Most homes have been destroyed, and life is no longer the same in Cibaliye.” Israeli attacks in Gaza have claimed the lives of over 61,000 Palestinians, including 14,000 who remain missing under debris. Additionally, 2 million people have been displaced. It is reported that 88% of Gaza Strip’s infrastructure has been destroyed in the attacks.