Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, began Wednesday in many Arab and Islamic countries, including Palestine, while others will begin observing the month-long fast on Thursday. The start of Ramadan, marked by the sighting of the new crescent moon, arrives this year against a backdrop of immense hardship, particularly for Palestinians in Gaza, where a devastating war continues despite a recently implemented ceasefire.
For those in Gaza, the observance of Ramadan is profoundly altered. Families who once gathered around abundant tables are now organizing their days around the uncertain distribution of aid, relying heavily on soup kitchens as Israel restricts the entry of essential supplies, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The “ceasefire” – a deal that was supposed to allow at least 600 aid trucks into the Strip daily – has seen far fewer deliveries, exacerbating already dire food and water shortages.
The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has created a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. Al Jazeera’s investigation reveals a disturbing phenomenon: Civil Defence teams in Gaza have documented 2,842 Palestinians who have “evaporated” since the war began, leaving behind little more than traces of blood or fragments of flesh. Experts attribute this to the use of internationally prohibited thermal and thermobaric weapons, capable of generating temperatures exceeding 3,500 degrees Celsius (6,332 degrees Fahrenheit). More than 72,000 people have been killed in the conflict, according to Al Jazeera.
Despite the ongoing conflict, religious observance continues. In occupied East Jerusalem, thousands of worshippers gathered at the Al-Aqsa Mosque for tarawih prayers, though footage showed a visible Israeli police presence within the compound. Authorities have increased security measures, including arrests and bans against religious figures and activists, with over 250 orders barring Palestinians from entering Al-Aqsa issued since the beginning of 2026, according to figures cited by the Jerusalem governorate.
Regional Variations in Observing Ramadan
The start of Ramadan is not uniform across the Muslim world, often determined by local moon sightings. Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the new moon on Tuesday evening, initiating the fast on Wednesday. Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti followed suit, beginning Ramadan on Wednesday as well. Iraq’s Sunni Endowment Diwan similarly announced the start of Ramadan on Wednesday, with Shia Muslims in Iraq also beginning their fast on the same day. Sunni Muslims in Lebanon also began fasting on Wednesday, according to Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian.
However, several countries will begin observing Ramadan on Thursday. Egypt’s mufti, Nazir Ayyad, stated that the new moon was not sighted on Tuesday, setting the start date for Thursday. Religious authorities in Jordan, Syria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Tunisia, and Malaysia also announced the beginning of the holy month on Thursday. Muslims in Turkiye, Oman, Singapore, and Australia will also begin fasting on Thursday, based on astronomical calculations.
The Tradition of Moon Sightings
The determination of Ramadan’s start date highlights a long-held tradition within Islam. Despite advancements in astronomy, many Muslim countries continue to rely on the direct visual sighting of the crescent moon, a practice rooted in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. This practice links the beginning of the fast to the physical appearance of the new moon, a tradition upheld for centuries.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and smoking from dawn until dusk. The breaking of the fast, known as iftar, is a communal event, often shared with family, and friends. The month is considered a time of spiritual reflection, increased prayer, and charitable giving, commemorating the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad nearly 1,450 years ago.
Continued Conflict and Ceasefire Violations
Even with the ceasefire in place, violence continues to impact the observance of Ramadan in Gaza. Al Jazeera reports that attacks on the war-devastated enclave have continued nearly daily since the ceasefire began, resulting in the deaths of more than 600 Palestinians. The agreed-upon delivery of 600 aid trucks per day has not been met, further compounding the suffering of the population. These ongoing violations cast a long shadow over the holy month for those in Gaza.
As Ramadan unfolds, the situation in Gaza remains critical. The focus will be on whether the ceasefire can hold, and whether sufficient aid can reach those in demand. The coming weeks will be a test of the international community’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Palestinians during this sacred month. Updates on the ceasefire and aid deliveries can be found on Al Jazeera’s website.
If you are affected by the events in Gaza or are experiencing emotional distress, resources are available. You can find support and information from organizations like the American Red Cross and the Doctors Without Borders.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
