In Gaza, the onset of Ramadan, once a time of joy and festivity, has been drastically altered by the ongoing war. Families, such as that of 42-year-old Ola Al-Ajlah from the Shejaiya neighborhood, used to prepare elaborate Iftar meals with traditional dishes. However, following the destruction of their home, the celebration has turned into a painful reminder of what they have lost. Ola's family, consisting of six members, now finds themselves living in a tent on a public street while surrounded by chaos and devastation.

The customary preparation for Ramadan meals, which included delightful dishes like "Fattah Ghazawiya" and various side items such as salads, dairy, and refreshing juices, has been replaced by the harsh reality of scarcity. With no financial means to acquire food or even the utensils necessary for cooking, Ramadan has become an overwhelming burden for families like Ola's, who previously relished the communal aspects of the month. Instead of the usual preparations, Ola faces the distress of having to send her children to beg for food just before sunset.

This transformation not only represents a personal tragedy for the individuals affected but also highlights the broader impact of the conflict on cultural practices and communal traditions within Gaza. The struggle to maintain Ramadan’s spirit under such oppressive circumstances underscores the resilience of the human spirit, yet it concurrently captures the profound losses and changes that war imposes on a community’s cultural heritage. Families who once celebrated together now grapple with survival, forcing a redefinition of what Ramadan signifies for them amidst turmoil.