Feb 18 • 07:50 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Decoration with Simple Things: How the People of Gaza Celebrate Ramadan Despite the Difficult Reality

Residents of Gaza struggle to celebrate Ramadan with simple decorations amid ongoing hardships from conflict and economic challenges.

As the holy month of Ramadan begins for the third time during ongoing conflict in Gaza, residents face extreme humanitarian and living conditions. Despite these challenges, many families attempt to honor the month through simple decorations and acts of celebration, even as the reality of their situation weighs heavily on their spirits. Nostalgia for more stable times adds to the complexity of their current experiences, highlighting both resilience and grief.

The decorations, while modest, serve as a vital expression of hope and continuity for the people of Gaza, who strive to maintain cultural and religious traditions despite the prevailing difficulties. It's a time that seeks to evoke feelings of community and togetherness, even in the face of daily challenges that disrupt normal life. Many in Gaza reflect on past Ramadans, contrasting them with their current reality, and this bittersweet remembrance shapes their approach to the present celebrations.

The ongoing challenges—ranging from economic hardship to infrastructural damage—mean that for many, Ramadan celebrations are far from the festive gatherings seen in more stable contexts. Nonetheless, the efforts to bring joy and observe the month demonstrate an unyielding spirit among the population, underscoring the resilience of Gazans in navigating their circumstances, while reaffirming cultural identity amidst adversity.

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