A mass Iftar dinner program is organized for Palestinians to break their fast together on the first day of Ramadan amidst the rubble of a residential area in Rafah, Gaza, on March 01, 2025. Qatar, Egypt, and the US mediate peace negotiations, but the ceasefire’s future remains uncertain. The war has claimed over 61,700 lives, with bodies still being recovered daily.
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Palestinians in Gaza mark their second consecutive fasting season amidst destruction and an uncertain truce. The fragile ceasefire, in place since January, has provided temporary relief from conflict, but the scars of war remain visible.
In areas like Rafah and Beit Lahia, families gather for Iftar among the rubble of collapsed buildings. Seated on plastic chairs under makeshift decorations, they demonstrate resilience and unwavering faith.
“We are here in the midst of destruction and rubble, and we are steadfast despite the pain and our wounds,” said Mohammed Abu Al-Jidyan, a resident of Beit Lahia.. “Here we are eating Iftar on our land, and we will not leave this place,” he added.”
Despite the ceasefire, Gaza’s infrastructure remains severely damaged. Reports indicate that hundreds of mosques have been destroyed, yet worshippers continue to pray amid the ruins. Aid has increased, but many still live in tents, struggling to rebuild their lives.
Mediation Efforts And Resilient Residents
Negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aim to solidify peace, but the future remains uncertain. The ceasefire’s next phase is expected to pave the way for lasting stability, yet no conclusive agreements have been reached.
In the streets of Rafah, efforts to restore Ramadan traditions persist. Residents have decorated with lanterns and Palestinian flags, while communal meals bring people together. However, challenges remain, with many families unable to secure basic necessities due to prolonged economic hardships.
The war has claimed over 61,700 lives in Gaza, with bodies still being recovered. Many fear renewed conflict, but their faith and solidarity remain unshaken. The first phase of the truce has seen Hamas free 25 living hostages and return the bodies of eight others to Israel in exchange for more than 1,700 Palestinian prisoners.
As Ramadan progresses, Gazans continue to observe the holy month with strength, seeking hope amid the devastation.
