Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, commenced in Gaza on Wednesday, prompting Palestinians to gather in the remnants of destroyed mosques or in makeshift prayer spaces created from tarpaulins and wood. This year's observance is marked by grief, as many find themselves praying in places that once stood proud, now reduced to piles of rubble. The dome of Al-Hasaina mosque, the most devastated in the area, looms over the debris, symbolizing the loss experienced by the community.

In the city of Gaza, the courtyard that used to host throngs of worshippers has transformed into a makeshift living area, where families now cook and sleep among the ruins, illustrating the harsh realities of life in the aftermath of conflict. Sami Al-Hisi, a 61-year-old volunteer at the mosque, expressed his sorrow as he stood on the ruins, reminiscing about the camaraderie of prayer where once friends and loved ones gathered. His words encapsulate the emotions of many who have been stripped of their spiritual homes and community ties.

Children are seen climbing over the cracked domes, and women are collecting their belongings amidst the wreckage, further demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the Palestinian people in these trying times. The commencement of Ramadan serves not only as a religious observance but also as a poignant reminder of the loss and devastation faced by the individuals in Gaza, emphasizing the pressing need for peace and restoration in the ongoing conflict.