As the holy month of Ramadan begins, residents in Gaza are experiencing a rare moment of relative calm, thanks to the recent US-brokered ceasefire.
In the Bureij refugee camp, Maisoon al-Barbarawi decorates her tent with colorful drawings and simple decorations, marking the arrival of Ramadan amid ongoing hardship.
This Ramadan stands out compared to the past two years, when intense fighting between Israel and Hamas devastated the region, resulting in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths.
The ceasefire, initiated on October 10, aimed to halt more than two years of relentless conflict, bringing a temporary pause to hostilities. However, the situation remains tense, with almost daily Israeli fire and airstrikes continuing in Gaza.
Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of more than 600 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. These figures include civilians and militants alike, with the health ministry reporting casualties without distinguishing between the two.
Meanwhile, militant groups have conducted shooting attacks on Israeli forces, with Israel responding with strikes that have also caused civilian casualties.
The winter season has compounded Gaza’s hardships, with severe cold, torrential rains, and flooding worsening living conditions for displaced residents. Many camps remain damaged, and vulnerable populations face increased risks, including child deaths due to the cold.
Despite these challenges, some Gazans are working to preserve the spirit of Ramadan by organizing festivities and cultural activities, offering moments of hope and resilience amid the ongoing crisis.
The fragile ceasefire provides a brief respite, but fears of renewed conflict continue to cast a shadow over the Gaza Strip as residents hope for lasting peace.
