Photo credit: Aljazeera
Palestinians in Gaza have gathered for the pre-dawn meal on the first day of fasting as several Arab and Islamic countries begin Ramadan, while others are set to start a day later.
AlJazeera reports that people in Gaza even though they started observing the holy Muslim month on Wednesday were struggling to access food and clean water, amid Israel’s ongoing genocidal war despite the “ceasefire”.
Families who once had full tables during Ramadan before the war, more than two years ago, now organize their fasting day around aid distribution schedules. Many rely on soup kitchens as Israel refuses to allow in more aid and basic supplies to Gaza.
Under the “ceasefire” deal between Israel and Hamas that came into effect in early October, at least 600 aid trucks were supposed to enter the strip each day. However, the actual number is far less.
In addition, there are daily violations by Israel, attacks on the war-devastated enclave have continued nearly daily since the “ceasefire” began, killing more than 600 Palestinians.
Meanwhile, in occupied East Jerusalem, thousands of worshippers filled Al=Aqsa mosque’s covered prayer halls and open courtyards. Israeli police were stationed inside the compound and moving attendees during Taraweeh prayers.
The prayers came against the backdrop of heightened tensions there, particularly in and around the Old City and the Al-Aqsa compound, where Israeli authorities have stepped up security measures, including arrests and temporary bans against religious figures and activists.
According to figures cited by the Jerusalem Governorate, more than 250 orders barring Palestinians from entering Al-Aqsa have been issued since the beginning of 2026.
Israel has also intensified operations on the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since launching its genocidal war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, in tandem with a sharp escalation of settler attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property.
